Orthopedic Surgeon Offers Tips On Avoiding Injury From An Overstuffed Backpack

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 04 Aug 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Millions of children returning to school this fall will struggle under the weight of an overstuffed backpack, putting themselves at risk of injury, according to Dr. Joshua Hyman, director of orthopedic surgery at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian.

"Parents should inspect their child's backpack from time to time. They often carry much more than they should with extra shoes, toys and other unnecessary items," says Dr. Hyman, who is also associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

"A backpack shouldn't weigh more than 15 percent of the child's weight or about seven pounds for a child who weighs 50 pounds. If it is textbooks that are making the bag too heavy, parents should speak with the teacher -- sometimes these books can be left at school," adds Dr. Hyman.

To prevent injury, children should also wear a backpack correctly over both shoulders to spread the weight evenly. Alternately, they should consider a wheeled backpack.

If the child experiences persistent pain, parents should consult with their pediatrician, who may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles. Some indicators of trouble include when the child's posture changes while wearing the backpack, when they struggle to put it on, or any pain, tingling or red marks.

Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian

Ranked by U.S.News & World Report as one of the top six children's hospitals in the country, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian offers the best available care in every area of pediatrics -- including the most complex neonatal and critical care, and all areas of pediatric subspecialties -- in a family-friendly and technologically advanced setting. Building a reputation for more than a century as one of the nation's premier children's hospitals, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian is affiliated with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and is New York City's only hospital dedicated solely to the care of children and the largest provider of children's health services in the tri-state area with a long-standing commitment to its community. Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian is also a major international referral center, meeting the special needs of children from infancy through adolescence worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.nyp.org.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
627 West 165th St., SB-621
New York, NY 10032
United States
http://www.nyp.org