Shriners Hospitals for Children® Encourages Parents to Watch Their Kids’ Backs

It’s fairly common knowledge that back problems plaque many adults. However, it’s also true that kids can have back problems, as well. It’s important to be aware of situations or conditions that can potentially harm children’s backs, and take steps to prevent these problems. Things to watch out for include improper use of backpacks and the onset of scoliosis.

Proper Backpack Usage

Whether for school or a day in the park, using backpacks has become a way of life for children. As leaders in pediatric orthopaedic care, Shriners Hospitals for Children® wants to help ensure children have well-fitting backpacks, and avoid potential back strain and other problems.  

“Too much weight in a child’s backpack can cause muscle fatigue of the upper thoracic and lumbar muscles, which can become painful by the end of the day,” said Maureen Maciel, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Tampa.

Generally speaking, backpacks should be no wider than the user’s chest, and sit no higher than the base of the neck and no lower than 2 to 4 inches below the waist when worn. Backpacks should have adjustable, padded straps, including a waist or chest strap; a padded back; several compartments; and be made of lightweight material.

“These kinds of features are important because they can help prevent muscle imbalance, fatigue and strain,” said Dr. Maciel.

It is also important to teach children not to overload their backpacks. Students should only pack what is needed for the day and distribute these materials evenly throughout compartments. The heaviest objects should be placed closest to the child’s back. Heavy books should be carried to avoid back and shoulder pain.

The recommended maximum weight for a backpack is 10 to 15 percent of the child’s body weight. If the child’s backpack weighs more than this, purchasing a backpack with wheels, if allowed by the school, might be an alternative.

For more backpack tips, download our tips sheet.

Be Aware of Scoliosis  

In addition to making sure your child’s back is not weighted down by an overloaded, oversized backpack, it’s important to be aware of the potential onset of scoliosis, especially in children ages 10 to 16.

Scoliosis is a lateral – or side-to-side – curve of the spine greater than 10 degrees, which makes the spine look more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line when viewed on an X-ray. Because idiopathic (without a known cause) scoliosis is rarely painful to a child, it can go unnoticed. Beginning when children are around age 8, parents are encouraged to watch for the following signs of possible scoliosis:

• Uneven shoulders when the child is sitting or standing up straight
• Prominent shoulder blade(s)
• Uneven waist or a tendency to lean to one side
• Once scoliosis has been diagnosed, the primary concern is whether the curve will progress.

The most common type of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs after the age of 10, and affects 2 to 4 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 16. Treatment options include regular monitoring and observation, bracing and surgery, depending on the severity. Factors used to determine appropriate treatment include the degree of the curve (which indicates the severity of the condition), the child’s age and the number of remaining years the child will grow.

As a leader in pediatric orthopaedic care, Shriners Hospitals for Children® encourages parents and pediatricians to be aware of scoliosis, particularly as it relates to detection and observation in children and teens. Early diagnosis allows the ability to monitor the condition over a longer period of time, which can be important in ensuring proper treatment.

The 19 Shriners Hospitals for Children® that treat pediatric orthopaedic conditions are leaders in treatment and research involving scoliosis, and are ready to help. For more information, please visit www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/main