Does your kid carry a heavy school bag? Beware

Kindergarten and junior elementary school students carrying heavy school bags risk suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP), says Dspine Chiropractic physical therapy clinic director Bunnaluk Thiramongkhon.

Over 20% their weight

"Students nowadays carry bags that are too heavy; their bags weigh over 20 per cent of their own weight," Bunnaluk points out.

"The Foundation for Consumers has recommended that a student studying between grade 1 and 3 should not carry a bag that weighs more than 10 per cent of his or her own weight."

She reveals that as many as 80 per cent of students carry bags weighing more than 20 per cent of their weight.

"Most students prefer to carry school bags on their shoulders, so the heavy bags will press down on the nape of their neck, shoulder and back muscles and spinal cord. As a result, around 29 per cent of students will suffer neck, shoulder and back aches or even headaches if they do not receive treatment," Bunnaluk says.

"It will also lead to HNP and affect their physical and mental development if they don't take care of their health," she warns.

The right size

Students ought to carry bags that weigh not more than 10 per cent of their weight. The shape of the bag should suit the student's body and the shoulder straps must be six centimetres or more in width. 

Any student who has suffered a pain in the back, nape of the neck or shoulder or had headaches should consult a doctor.

Chiropractic is a way to cure suffering children without using drugs and performing an operation. Experts mainly use their hands to diagnose and cure HNP, Bunnaluk adds.