Injury Prevention

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:
• If possible, leave unnecessary books at home or school.
• If carrying a water bottle, choose a smaller bottle that will not be as heavy when it is full.
• If bringing sports gear to school, pack it in a separate bag that can be stored in a locker during the school day.
• consider using a crossbody bag as a good alternative for carrying books and supplies.

Tips for Parents

Parents can help ensure their child’s safety by doing the following: Encourage your child or teenager to tell you about any back, neck, or shoulder pain during or after carrying a backpack. These symptoms may indicate poor backpack fit or too much weight being carried.

watch your child put on and take off the backpack to see if it is a struggle. If the backpack seems too heavy, have your child remove some of the books and carry them in his or her arms to ease the load on the back. Also review the distribution of weight in the backpack and place heavier items low and toward the center of the backpack. do not ignore back pain in a child or teenager.

Talk to the school about lightening the load. Team up with other parents to encourage changes. Encourage your child to stop at their locker when time permits throughout the day to drop off or exchange heavier books. If your child has back pain that does not improve, consider scheduling an appointment with your chiropractor.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com