Backpacks could be causing children pain

The back-to-school season is quickly approaching, and with that comes school supplies. Items like textbooks, pencils, and notebooks are some common items inside a child’s school backpack. But with carrying all that weight, experts said it can actually hurt them.

According to KidsHealth, at the beginning of every school year, doctors see an increase of young patients for back pain. One of the causes behind that pain being loaded backpacks.

Doctors recommend children use both straps on their bags. At the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Dr. Nicholas Fletcher explains it is important to have kids’ backpacks evenly weighted. With only one strap, kids will try to prevent the backpack from falling which causes them to lean a lot, increasing a chance of back pain further down the line.

Experts state another cause of pain is how their bags are packed. It’s suggested children should carry no more than 10 or 20 percent of their body weight. The heaviest items, like books, should be closest to the back. With lighter items, like notebooks or a pencil box going in front.

Dr. Fletcher said parents should also go through the backpacks, to ensure children are not being overloaded.