Physical and Occupational Therapy Program

Is Your Child's Backpack Making the Grade?
From: FCPS Physical and Occupational Therapy program

Did you know that the backpack your child uses and how they wear it might cause back pain? In a study performed by Kimberly Wesdock, PT, MS, PCS, 28% of the 128 students surveyed complained of back pain. Guidelines from the American Occupational Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association to consider as you purchase your child's backpack follow:

The backpack should not be larger than the student's back.
The bottom of the backpack should rest no more than four inches below the student's waistline.
A backpack with padded shoulders will decrease the pressure applied to the student's shoulders.
A student should always use both shoulder straps when wearing the backpack.
Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly.
If the backpack has a waist belt, use it.
A backpack with books should not weigh more than 15% of the student's weight (less if the student is overweight).

To prevent curving of the student's spine or muscle strain, help your child to carefully select, wear, and pack their backpacks. Permanent curvature of the spine or chronic pain are long term consequences of using backpacks inappropriately.

For more information or a free at-school consult, call FCPS PT/OT program 703.876.5250.