Heavy School Bags & the Spine

With bags this heavy, it’s

no wonder many kids

think school is a

"Pain in the Back" 

AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN ARE AT RISK OF PERMANENT SPINAL DAMAGE BECAUSE OF INCORRECTLY PACKED AND FITTED SCHOOL BACKPACKS.

-Adult back pain and spinal disorders may stem from childhood activities including carrying a heavily loaded backpack for 12 years or more of schooling. This may alter correct development of the spine.

-Many of the current bags children are using may be fashionable, but do not allow for even weight distribution across the back causing pain through the neck, back and shoulders.

-School can be a challenging time for children, so ensuring they are as comfortable as possible is important to their physical and mental development.

Some Helpful Tips:

- Backpack should be no heavier than 10% of the student's weight when packed

- The backpack should not be wider than the student's chest and should be sturdy

- Shoulder straps should be broad and padded

- Both shoulder straps should be used

- Waist straps should be used too

- Backpack should not sit lower than the hollow of the lower back

- Don't overload the backpack and rather use school lockers or only bring to school what is needed

- All heavy items should be at the base of the backpack close to the spine for easier and better distribution of weight.


healthy spine, healthier life