Dangers of Heavy Backpack

THE schoolbag it is a practical way to take school materials and is used by most students. However, despite being a material of great help, the backpack can be a great danger when used inappropriately. Next, we'll talk about the main mistakes when it comes to carrying a backpack and the problems that a heavy backpack can trigger.

Read too: How to avoid back pain

→ Incorrect use of the backpack

The backpack is a very useful object for transporting school materials, however, many students end up carrying much more in their backpack than is necessary for that day, which generates a Weightexaggerated. In addition, many carry the backpack in only one of the straps, overloading only one side of the body, which is also wrong.

It is recommended that the weight of the backpack does not exceed 10% of body weight of the individual. In addition, the ideal is that the backpack always has three support points, a strap on each shoulder and a third strap that is used to attach to the student's waist. This makes the column not overloaded.

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Imagine that an individual weighs 50 kg. This means that your backpack cannot weigh more than 5 kg.

We can't even forget that the backpack with wheels is an important ally in this process. However, when the handle is not properly adjusted, it can cause the torso to twist to carry it, which can also trigger problems. The ideal is to adjust the handle at a height that allows the individual to remain with the shoulders leveled, without bending the body.

Wheeled backpacks are an alternative to avoid the overload generated by a large amount of school material.

Read too: Spinal Care

→ Problems triggered by heavy backpack

The inappropriate use of the backpack, with excess weight and being carried on only one side of the body, can be responsible for a series of problems, which mainly affect the column. The biggest problem lies in the fact that children and adolescents are in the musculoskeletal development stage and, therefore, their body posture can be greatly impaired.

Below, we will cite some problems triggered by heavy backpacking that can happen in the short or long term:

• Changes in posture from the moment the backpack is put on.

• Changes in the way you walk.

• Changes in balance when carrying the backpack, which increases the risk of falls.

• Back pains.

• Over time, problems can arise. postures, such as hyperkyphosis or scoliosis. Hyperkyphosis is a deviation of the spine that makes the shoulders and neck bent forward, forming the famous hump, while scoliosis is a lateral deviation of the spine.

We can't forget that othershabitsinadequate can damage the spine. Therefore, facts such as sitting improperly and exercising incorrectly can also contribute to the emergence of the aforementioned problems. Thus, we should not only assess the backpack as responsible for these problems.

The weight of the backpack must not exceed 10% of the individual's weight.

According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of the world's population will have hair at least once in a lifetime an episode of back pain due to postural habits inadequate.

→ Tips to prevent backpack-related problems

In order not to harm your health, a tip is to assess whether everything in the backpack is really necessary.

Here are some simple tips to avoid problems that can be triggered by using backpacks below:

• Find out the weight of your backpack.

• Take only the necessary materials to school.

• Notebooks of many materials can be an unnecessary burden. The option for filing cabinets can be a good alternative, since it is possible to take only that day's material.

• Opt for backpacks made of light material.

• Choose backpacks with wide straps and those that have a strap that can be attached to your waist.

• Always remember to properly adjust the straps and always wear both straps, one on each shoulder.

• If you use backpacks with wheels, remember to pull the backpack handle until it is within reach of your hands. This will make the body stay straight.

Read too: 5 healthy habits we should have at school

By Ma. Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Dangers of Heavy Backpack"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/perigos-mochila-pesada.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.