A Backpack Shouldn’t Mean Back Pain - 3 Important Elements To Consider When Choosing a Good Backpack

With back to school just around the corner, shopping for new clothes and school supplies takes priority, but the most important purchase that should be made is a good backpack. A good bag could make the difference between a happy and healthy child, and one living with discomfort. Backpacks shouldn’t mean back pain, therefore choosing an ergonomic backpack should be a priority.

At its core, a backpack is a great idea. It keeps students belongings together and protects them from the elements. However, these same school bags could have many drawbacks, especially as kids get older and the academic load increases. This increased load means more books and equipment in your child’s backpack, increasing the weight as well as the burden on a child’s spine.

Elements to look for in a good backpack:

Weight – the American Pediatric Association recommends that a child doesn’t carry more than 10 to 20 percent of their entire body weight. It pushes the head forward and increases the compression of spinal discs. This could cause neck, shoulder and back pain, and can become chronic, especially in older teenagers.

Straps – Straps should be able to tighten to avoid the bag hanging too loose. A loose fitting backpack applies more stress on the spine and discs. Sternum and waist straps are very useful because they help distribute the backpack’s weight so shoulders are less burdened.

Wearing a bag properly – loose and low makes it more stressful than higher and tighter. Make sure to avoid messenger and shoulder bags, they may look nice, but bags like these will concentrate all the weight on one shoulder and can lead to back pain.

Using the sternum strap helps to distribute the weight over a bigger area.

On the left we see a poorly fitted backpack and with some modifications on the right, there is improved posture and less stress.

Quick tips

-Respect the ten percent body weight rule. Talk to your child about what books they absolutely need each day.

-Wear the backpack snug and high across both shoulders, use the sternum and waist straps to disperse the load.

-Avoid single strap bags, especially in middle and high school years when book load is greater

-Place heavier items at the back of bag and smaller ones at the front – makes the bag feel lighter and minimizes load on the spine.

-Posture is key! This is especially true in the teenage years since the body does change significantly. Poor posture can cause back, neck and shoulder pain. Just think about “ears over shoulders over hips” – all of these anatomical points should be in line.

-If your child is not very active, have them engage in a few activities. Active students generally have greater strength, endurance and abdominal stability. Strong tummies and hips make happier lower backs.

-An alternative to a traditional backpack is a rolling bag, could be a great option especially for a heavy load. It is important to note that rolling bags must still be carried up stairs, don’t roll well in snow or might not fit in lockers.

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Jason Bellefleur

Jason Bellefleur is a multi-award-winning physiotherapist. Most recently, he was recognized as a 2016 Ottawa Forty Under 40 recipient and received numerous awards from the Orléans Chamber of Commerce (the 2011 Young Business Person of the Year, the 2012 Healthcare Professional of the Year and the 2014 Business Person of the Year awards). Jason is proud to be an Orléans resident and to raise his family in a bilingual community. He enthusiastically promotes local business within the Orléans area and frequently supports and participates in local events. Jason was recognized for his community involvement by receiving the Orleans 150 Community Builder award in 2017 by Ottawa-Orléans MPP Marie-France Lalonde. Jason firmly believes in high-quality one-on-one physiotherapy interventions. His treatment approach emphasizes hands-on intervention, continued client education, and active involvement by the individual to help them reach their full potential. By opening a clinic that offers 'Higher Standards of Care,' Jason wants his patients to feel confident that they receive the highest level of patient care available. As a result, he is also preventing injury and helping to improve their health and well-being.