TAMPA, Fla. – With students gearing up for the start of a new school year, a Tampa Bay pediatric orthopedic surgeon is cautioning parents about the dangers associated with overweight backpacks.
Dr. David Siambanes, the founder of Scoliosis Care in Tampa, is encouraging parents to do their due diligence when purchasing backpacks for their children and to be cautious of the weight added to the backpack over the course of the school year.
Research on the topic has shown a strong correlation between the use of heavy backpacks by children and the development of back pain and potential spinal complications.
The research did not track long-term back injuries resulting from backpacks, but studies have shown that adults with severe back problems often had back pain as adolescents.
“For parents, back to school shopping is a time to set their child up with supplies for a successful school year, however oftentimes children’s backpacks can become loaded down with books and other school materials as the year progresses. This can have a significant negative effect on a child’s spinal health,” said Siambanes. “It is essential for parents to be mindful of the weight their child is carrying on a daily basis, as the development of early back problems can impact a child throughout their life.”
According to Siambanes, parents should consider the following helpful tips when planning how their child should carry classroom materials:
• Use rolling backpacks
• Find out if lockers or desk storage is available for classroom supplies and books and plan accordingly
• Encourage children or teens to wear backpacks properly; using snug fitting straps on both shoulders
• Place heavier books closest to the back
• Students should bend at their knees when lifting the backpack
• Get a second set of supplies or books for use at home
• Students should only carry what’s necessary each school day
• If possible, check if textbooks are available on an iPad or similar device to reduce weight
• Ensure your child has a ride to and from school to minimize the time they have to wear their backpack
Dr. David Siambanes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and an expert in both operative and non-operative treatment of all forms of spinal deformities. In his current role at Scoliosis Care, Siambanes focuses on providing treatment for pediatric and adult-stage spinal deformities.
