With the new school year rapidly approaching it seems an appropriate time to discuss one of the primary causes of back injuries in children: backpacks.  Last year 7000 people were sent to thee emergency room for backpack related injuries.  As if this figure were not alarming enough it doesn't include the innumerable aches and pains experienced by children due to long term misuse of this school day necessity.  This does not mean that backpacks are inherently dangerous, only that many people do not use them properly.  In response to this the ACA (American Chiropractic Association) has issued a series of guidlines for purchasing and wearing backpacks safely.  First, backpacks should weigh no more than 10 percent of the childs bodyweight (10 pounds for a 100 pound child).  Second, backpacks should be worn over both shoulders and never more than 4 inches below the waistline.  Wearing a backpack on one shoulder increases pressure on the neck and low back, as does wearing the backpack too low on the torso.  Also, shoudler straps should be adjustable and padded.  This insures that the backpack sits at the proper level and does not dig into the childs shoulders, which can cause pain.  And finally, make sure that pointy or sharp objects are placed away from the child's back so that they cannot dig into their soft tissue.  This can be aided by purchasing a backpack with separate pockets for large and small items.  With these common sense guidlines in place, the risk of a backpack related injury can be greatly reduced.  However, if an injury does occur, be sure to schedual an appointment with Dr. Cox so that it can be treated promptly and effectively. 

source: acatoday.org