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Back to school with a healthy back

With the new school year started across the world, the backs of young students face two challenges: the weight of the schoolbag and the static stress caused by sitting for long periods. Here are some healthy back-to-school tips from Patient Line Committee Member Dr Peter Ferlic to keep the back in good shape and avoid complaints.

Tips for the right backpack and the importance of exercise

Test the backpack beforehand

It is the "trademark" of children: a schoolbag or backpack is more than just a practical device to carry books and documents. It is also a statement and fashion accessory. When buying, however, not only should the children's wishes be fulfilled, but attention should also be paid to choosing a bag that suits each child individually.

Most importantly, the schoolbag should be a good fit. Orders from the Internet, for example, are therefore not recommended. Instead, the schoolbag should be tried on and tested.

When selecting a schoolbag, please pay attention to the following:
  • The backpack should be a good fit both with a T-shirt and a thick jacket.
  • Check that the straps don't slip.
  • Make sure the child doesn't adopt an undesirable posture when carrying it.

"In general, it is important that the carrying straps are sufficiently wide and well adjustable, do not pinch and distribute the load evenly. The compartment division should allow heavy objects to be placed as close to the body as possible," says Dr Peter Ferlic from the University Clinic for Orthopaedics and Traumatology at Med Uni Graz.

The frequent fear that bags that are too heavy damage the back is not clearly proven scientifically. Nevertheless, excessive weight should be avoided, and regular checks should be made to see what needs to be carried back and forth and what can be left at home or at school.
The Patient Line website offers information for patients with spinal conditions:
Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.

EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.
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page last updated on 29.09.2021