Can heavy backpacks cause scoliosis in schoolchildren? Facts parents need to know

When packing a child for school, parents try to choose a comfortable backpack so that it does not lead to back problems. Schoolchildren carry a lot of textbooks and notebooks every day and a backpack should help them feel comfortable and convenient.
PubMed published a study showing how the weight of a backpack affects children's backs. Most believe that a backpack can lead to spinal deformity.
Researchers reduced the weight of the school bag in elementary schoolchildren and some of them complained less, while the rest of the children did not notice a difference.
The American Academy of Pediatrics assures that the weight of the backpack should not exceed 20% of the child's weight. The straps should be wide and adjusted so that the bottom of the briefcase does not fall below the waist.
This will avoid unnecessary strain on the muscles of the neck and back, which can cause children to feel pain.
Scoliosis is a very common disease among schoolchildren. It is an S- or C-like form of curvature of the spine and can lead to serious complications from the respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems.
According to scientists, a backpack cannot cause this condition.
The main factor in the deterioration of posture is sitting for long periods in classes, at a computer or smartphone.
On the contrary, it is better to wear a backpack rather than a bag to avoid scoliosis. The bag loads only one part of the body, which leads to curvature.
You should also do exercises to stretch your muscles after sitting for a long time.
Earlier OBOZREVATEL published why it is harmful to hold the stomach in constantly. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up to date with the latest events.