While your fourth grader may think fractions and Harry Potter are some heavy-duty homework, sometimes the coursework isn’t the students’ real burden – it’s the bricks piled on top of their backs. Concern about injuries caused by heavy textbooks has prompted legislatures in at least four states to regulate books’ weight.
Fellowship-trained spine surgeon Michael Dolphin, D.O., Orthopaedic Specialists, recommends parents listen up when children complain about sore backs. “Kid’s don’t often complain about back pain, so if they do, it’s time to listen.”
Dr. Dolphin says that fully loaded backpacks should weigh no more than 10-15% of the students’ body weight. According to the North American Spine Society, 20 million students head off to class each day with twice that recommended weight on their backs.
“Excessive weight can lead to stress injuries and steadily worsening pain,” says Dr. Dolphin. There are a number of straightforward options for preventing serious damage. Kids who carry too much body weight even before they ever strap on the backpack can help prevent pain and injury by losing their fat and increasing their fitness – particularly core strength.
Other ways to lighten the load:
• Geek-chic bags-on-rollers put the excess weight on wheels and off backs (check with your school first)
• Ensure book bags fit properly, with no sag more than four inches below the waist;
• Photocopy materials a week at a time so students don’t have to carry the whole book.
“If children or even college students are carrying too much weight in their bags, pain they feel might lead to real injury. And if their pain doesn’t go away after a few days, it’s probably time to consult a physician.” – Mike Dolphin, D.O.; Orthpaedic Specialists, PC
