OT Corner: Saving EVERYONES' Backs for a Lifetime
By Amy Wagenfeld, Ph.D., OTR/L
Originally printed in October, 2004

As we approach back-to-school excitement time, I thought that I would direct this 
topic to caregivers of slightly older children, but no matter how old your children 
are, someday, this will affect you!  That said, this month, I would like to talk about 
backpacks and body mechanics.  We will get very creative and extend this conversation 
to diaper bags, car seats, briefcases, and even purses!

What is it that I am concerned about? Let's start with our school-aged children.  Carrying 
backpacks filled with books, notebooks, lunch bags, and what not that practically equals 
what the children themselves weigh worries me.  These heavy packs put undo stress on 
growing bodies, affecting necks, backs, shoulders, hips, and legs.  Let's face it; 
this is a whole body problem!  What can we do about this?  First of all, proper backpack 
sizing and adjustment is critical.  Despite the fact that a big pack will hold more, one 
that is too big will only invite overloading, and subsequently, may place more stress on 
the back.  The straps need to be adjusted so that the weight of the pack rests above the 
child's bottom.  If the pack comes with a waist level strap, encourage your child to use 
it.  Packs MUST be carried on both shoulders, at ALL times.  Watch your children carefully.  
Is he/she leaning forward from the weight of the pack?  If so, it is too heavy.  
What else can we do?  Talk to your teachers about borrowing an extra textbook (for at 
home use) for the year.  Perhaps you could even initiate a borrowing policy through the 
PTAs in your schools.  Initiate a twice weekly (am I being optimistic?) "clean out the 
pack time" with your children.  Ask your children to do a self-assessment before leaving 
school each day; do I really need every text and notebook for tonight's homework?  
Encourage your children to become trendsetters, and consider backpacks on wheels.  I 
think that if more children used them, they would be more widely accepted.  One realistic 
concern is be sure to check that these backpacks on wheels will fit in your child's locker.  
Much to my dismay, at my son's school, they do not.

How about all the other things we, the adults, carry with us?  Consider switching from 
a single, over-the-shoulder diaper bag to a backpack version.  Many come with attached, 
zip down changing pads and are roomy and pretty nice looking.  The same goes for purses; 
scale down and carry a mini-backpack or a belly bag.  I have pretty much given up carrying 
my briefcase when I go to work and instead, carry my trusty backpack.  I think that in 
addition to taking care of my body, I am hoping to be mistaken for a student!

Car seats are just heavy and cumbersome when you are carrying your infant in one.  Use both 
hands and try to distribute the load in front of you as much as possible.  Keeping the 
diaper gear in a backpack also keeps those necessary items better balanced on your back, 
rather than on only one shoulder.

What ideas and solutions have you come up with?  I am very interested in hearing about your 
creative innovations.  For the next couple of months, I will plan to talk some more about 
body mechanics.  Until then, to be the best parent possible, take good care of yourself!