August 28, 2015
The first day of school is almost here, and that means kids will be grabbing their backpacks and new supplies and heading back to the classroom.
But are those backpacks weighing them down?
Nearly 5,000 children are sent to the emergency room each year due to backpack-related injuries, according to New Jersey 101.5.
"They have quite a bit of trouble with pain and discomfort, muscular tightness, and curve changes because of these backpacks," Dr. Jeannine Baer, of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, told New Jersey 101.5.
Common injuries include spasms, pinched nerves and posture problems. The American Chiropractic Association has recommended that children carry no more than 10 percent of their body weight.
The type of backpack also plays a role in children's discomfort, according to Baer.
"The best kind of backpack for your kids to be wearing is the two shoulder strap backpack," she told New Jersey 101.5. "And they really should be wearing it on both shoulders. That should be non-negotiable."
The American Chiropractic Association encourages parents to ask their children about any pain they may be experiencing as a result of their backpacks.
