Is your child carrying a heavy bag every day? Know the potential risks!

Children carry heavy bags to school every day. It may seem like a temporary discomfort, but in the long run it poses a serious risk to the spine and muscles. Problems can easily arise because the bones are still soft, the muscles are weak, and the ligaments are sensitive.

Heavy bags increase the risk of muscle tension, hunched shoulders, forward head posture, scoliosis or kyphosis. Carrying a load on one shoulder hinders the proper growth of the spine. Pressure on the straps can also cause problems with the brachial nerve. Walking posture changes, attention decreases in school, and children's growth and development are affected.

Experts say that the weight of the bag should not exceed 10–15% of the child's weight. It is important to hang it evenly on both shoulders, keep heavy books on the back, carry class-specific books, and exercise daily. It is necessary to take the bag down occasionally and rest. Hot packs, stretching, and painkillers can help in the short term if necessary.

It is possible to keep children's spines and muscles healthy if schools and parents ensure locker facilities, removal of unnecessary books, posture training, and proper bag carrying.