A chiropractor’s insight on preventing health issues due to heavy backpacks.

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, the choice of school accessories can significantly impact a child's daily routine and overall experience.

Among the myriad of options available, trolley bags have emerged as a popular choice for school children.

These wheeled bags, designed to alleviate the burden of carrying heavy textbooks and school supplies, offer a blend of convenience and practicality.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in wheel/trolley bags as a school bag option. Although not necessarily popular with students, some parents prefer them, based on the assumption that wheel bags may be helpful in reducing the load on their children’s spines, therefore lowering the risk of damage to a healthy spine.

The concern is justified, given that research has shown that up to two thirds of teenage children have experienced back pain.

The Pros of Trolley Bags

As parents prepare their little ones for the back-to-school season, considering the right type of bag is crucial for their children’s health.

Trolley bags are an excellent choice as they help reduce the risk of back pain in children that can arise from lugging around a heavy school backpack.

With a child’s body weight often exceeding the recommended limits for manual carrying, these bags provide a practical solution by allowing them to roll their belongings, thereby minimising strain on their developing spine.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) endorses the use of trolley bags, as they promote better posture and help prevent neck and back pain that can lead to long-term spinal injuries.

Additionally, trolley bags often come with multiple compartments, making it easier for children to organise their items, such as books, a lunch box, and even a unicorn plushie!

This organisation can contribute to a more efficient back-to-school experience, allowing kids to locate their essentials quickly without digging through a chaotic child’s school bag.

It's essential to ensure that the weight of the bag does not exceed 10-15% of the patient’s body weight, as recommended by chiropractic guidelines.

The Cons of Trolley Bags

While trolley bags may seem like a convenient solution for carrying school supplies, they can have several drawbacks that affect children’s health.

The design often encourages poor posture can lead to neck and back pain, particularly when children pull the bag unevenly or lug it around.

As children grow, the weight of their child’s school bag can exceed the recommended body weight limits, contributing to back pain in children.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) emphasizes the importance of using a correct backpack to prevent spinal injuries and maintain proper alignment of the developing spine.

Moreover, many trolley bags lack adequate shoulder straps and compartments designed to distribute weight evenly, making them less effective than traditional school backpacks.

Without proper support, children may experience discomfort and strain that necessitates chiropractic care.

Should My Child Use A Trolley Bag?

To help reduce the risk of developing issues, it’s crucial to educate parents about the importance of selecting the right bag and maintaining a healthy posture.

While trolley bags may be trendy and colourful, like those featuring a unicorn design, their potential to harm children's health is significant.

To help your little ones avoid discomfort, parents should consider alternatives that promote better posture and spinal health.

Moreover, most chiropractors are of the opinion that some adult spinal ailments may have had their origin in childhood, including poor posture from carrying school bags.

Over the last 10 years we have seen real and positive change in the way children carry their books to and from school.

Studies have shown that shoulder and spinal pain is reduced by 25% when backpacks are used in preference to hand satchels or single strapped bags.

Bag manufacturers, schools, parents and students have responded and backpacks are now the overwhelming bag of choice. Even more pleasing, most wear them on both shoulders.

So what about trolley bags? We use them at airports to move heavy luggage. Is the trolley bag the next step up from the backpack?

The airport and school-ground are different environments. Some concerns in relation to the use of wheel bags by school children include:

• Wheeling bags across uneven/unpaved surfaces will be a danger to the user and could cause jarring to the shoulder and upper spine. Injuries may result from tripping or falling
• Wheeling bags into awkward places, small turing areas, etc. will inevitably lead to students lifting the bags. The twisting of the body and the strain placed on the arm, or arms, could lead to musculo-skeletal pain and damage to the spine
• Wheel bags are unsuitable for going up and down stairs, getting on and off buses and for students riding their bikes to school
• There would be definite stress placed on the spine arising from the use of wheel bags. In a recent test students began to complain of back pain after only three days of using wheel bags. This pain was most likely due to twisting and overloading one side of the body which can lead to postural change, upper extremity damage and will certainly compromise correct spinal alignment
• It is realistic to expect that many students will not comply with the correct use of wheel bags and , as a result, put their spinal health at risk.

In certain individual situations, trolley bags may be useful. However, backpacks remain the best option for most students. 

Chiropractic Care Is Here To Help!

As children navigate their way through bustling hallways and crowded classrooms, trolley bags present a modern solution to the age-old problem of heavy backpacks.

However, like any product, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages that parents and students must consider.

If you’re unsure of what type of bag is best for your child or are concerned about your child’s spinal health, consider booking an appointment with us, Centenary Chiropractic Centre. As your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas, we’re here to help your family stay healthy. 

Give us a call on 07 3381 0440 or book online here: www.centenarychiro.com.au