Choosing the right schoolbag can affect your child's health

Author Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik | 2021.08.16.

Prevent spinal problems in young school children!

Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik orthopaedic-traumatologist, spine specialist, gave an informative interview on 15 August in the Facts programme about the the importance of choosing the right schoolbag. With school starting in a few weeks, parents need to get the right equipment, of which the backpack is the base and most important element.

Which schoolbag to choose?

As an orthopaedic and spine specialist at the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic, I believe that the Choosing the right schoolbag for your young children is key. The best schoolbag should have a padded waist support, a stiffened back and, best of all, a wide, adjustable strap. Ergonomic design is essential, so the bag should fit on the child's back and be lightweight, reducing the weight of the child's other school equipment.

Why does it matter what kind of schoolbag you have?

The upper and lower parts of the spine of young school-age children are still made of cartilage, and bones grow faster than muscles during development. It is therefore very important not to overload the spinal column.

When do you need a specialist?

Around the age of 6, before starting school, it is highly recommended to have a paediatric orthopaedics screening test. The child's posture, spine, hips, feet and gait are also examined to ensure that any musculoskeletal problems are detected and treated early.

From pre-school orthopaedic check-up is important because at this age children's motor systems are constantly developing and changing. This often leads to postural problems and sloppy posture, which can result in scoliosis.

Negligent posture is the gateway to scoliosis

Parents may also notice poor posture, slumped shoulders or if the two shoulder blades are not in line. Any asymmetry you notice is worth seeing an orthopaedic specialist. Often the child themselves will complain of back and neck pain. A neglect affects child development, it is essential to address the problem.

Persistent poor posture can also lead to headaches, which can impair a child's ability to concentrate. In addition for scoliosis which could lead to further serious spinal disorders, and can cause chronic lower back pain in adulthood. Correct diagnosis and treatment physiotherapy can help to translate this back.

Prevention of scoliosis

From orthopaedic screening and selection of the right schoolbag so it can be a great help for the correct posture of young schoolchildren and their healthy development. And in the case of asymmetry or other abnormalities, special physiotherapy can achieve great and spectacular results. It can also be a great solution to Parents setting an example by playing sport with their child, by choosing a form of movement that develops the muscle groups and puts an even load on the spine. Examples include swimming, horse riding and wall climbing.