UAB expert warns of backpack misuse, injuries ahead of school year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Did you know the weight of your child’s backpack could determine if they later develop back and neck issues?

The Chief of Sports Medicine at UAB, Dr. Amit Momaya, says it is a pretty big issue.

It centers around how much weight your child is carrying and if they are wearing their backpack properly.

UAB experts are warning parents that too much weight on the back can lead to lower back strain, muscular overuse, and shoulder posture issues.

How heavy is too heavy? UAB leaders say your child should not be carrying more than 10-15% percent of their body weight in their backpacks.

You can weigh your child on a common floor scale, then weigh their book bag separately to determine this.

The Chief of Sports Medicine at UAB added that your child needs to use their backpack as intended.

“The correct way is to wear a backpack that both straps go around the shoulders, asymmetric right, you have the pull tabs at the bottom,” said Dr. Momaya. “Make sure that it is not cattywampus. Make sure it’s symmetric, so it provides even distribution of weight across the shoulders.”

Dr. Momaya wants parents to remember to check how their child is wearing their backpack, something he says is easy to forget.

WBRC is told numbness and tingling in the arms might indicate strain.

If these tips do not solve your child’s back or neck pain, experts recommend following up with a physician.

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