Taking note of the cases where youngsters are diagnosed with back and neck pain, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has urged parents to take extra care while choosing school bags for their children.
“We are receiving young patients complaining of back pain caused by heavy bags and some of them undergo surgery here,” associate consultant of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery Dr Omar Alnori said.
HMC physicians also find young patients with joint and shoulder pains, again caused by heavy school bags which can lead to functional scoliosis.
The physician urged parents to select bags made from lightweight materials. Parents should ensure that the weight of the school bag does not exceed 10 to 15% of the child’s weight.
“Bags should have two straps and they should be tight and not go below the waist. Students should make use of both of them. If only one strap is used, it will result in shoulder and back pain as the child often tends to balance with one strap. Waist and chest straps will give extra support.”
Dr Alnori asked students to take only books that would be used on a particular day and said bags with multiple layers will help the weight to be divided, lending more comfort to the children.
Alnori who laid stress on the importance of proper seating posture shared few tips and said most of the children tend to be careless while sitting.
Sitting at a 90-degree angle is good. “Head should be at the same level of shoulders while sitting and this will avert shoulder problems,” he said.
Dr Alnori further asked parents and teachers to inspire students to get engaged in physical activities and sports in order to keep them physically fit and energetic.
“Unfortunately, some parents are least aware of the importance of physical activities. Parents should become a model for their children by involving in physical activities as children often emulate them,” he said.