Children having back pain??
By mbs2323
@mbs2323 (254)
Malaysia
May 7, 2009 11:12am CST
My little cousin is only 8 years old and he complains that his back is aching. This worries the sh*t out of me! According to him, he's been carrying heavy bags to school. I wonder if there's any safe backpack for children?
It's saddening to see a child facing posture problems in early life. Children are not supposed to have back pain!
2 responses
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
7 May 09
Well, I would have him checked just to make sure it is just from a heavy backpack. they make backpacks now that have wheels. it looks like a backpack and you can still wear it on your back if you want. but it also has wheels on the bottom and a handle that slides out at the top so they can pull it behind them. I remember my backpack being very heavy in school too.
@mbs2323 (254)
• Malaysia
7 May 09
Yeah I would have him checked too, I already told his mother :) And I do think it is more than just a heavy backpack. Probably because the habits of slouching or hunching over. He seems pretty slouchy though. Many postured-related complaints in adulthood are caused by poor habits learnt in childhood. Scary. I hope children will be given plenty of time for physical education in school. Oh the backpacks with wheels, I wonder why my cousin's not using any of them. They're quite helpful. Maybe I'll suggest to him. Thanks :)
@derlilaStern (1756)
• United States
7 May 09
First, if the back pain is persistent, make sure he goes to the doctor! Sometimes it can be more than just simple overuse. Sometimes infections of the organs can cause back pain. It might be that he is carrying too many heavy books, but it is better to be sure!
The best backpacks are the traditional ones. The kind that have 2 straps that go over your shoulders. Many people wear these wrong - most people keep the straps too long. The backpack should sit entirely on your back and not on your buttocks. The backpack should sit flat against your back. If you carry the backpack in this way, it places the burden more equally across your shoulders where it will cause the least strain. Carrying a backpack wrong can put strain on your back and cause it to hurt. Make sure your cousin is wearing his backpack correctly before buying a new one!
@mbs2323 (254)
• Malaysia
7 May 09
I'm worried this may also have implications for back health later when he's growing up. I'm really concerned about children in school. Don't they have lockers anymore these days? I also think that the school needs to be aware of this problem and take initiatives to promote better postural habits in school. Like shorter lessons or provide breaks during long lessons. Spending too long periods sitting still might be one the causes too. Anyway, thanks for your response. It's very useful. I'll make sure he wears his backpack correctly.
