Every school year, millions of children carry backpacks loaded with textbooks, notebooks, and supplies. While backpacks are practical and necessary, improperly fitted or overloaded bags can have a real impact on a child’s developing spine.
Common Problems Parents Should Know About
Carrying too much weight strains the muscles and ligaments in a child’s back and shoulders, often leading to discomfort or pain.
An improperly adjusted backpack can cause kids to lean forward, round their shoulders, or arch their backs, creating posture problems that may lead to long-term spinal issues.
Over time, managing a heavy pack fatigues the neck, shoulders, and lower back muscles, sometimes resulting in persistent aches. Straps that dig in or bags that hang too low can even compress nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs.
A Strong Commitment to Backpack Safety
Dr. Ken Freedman isn’t just a veteran chiropractor with over four decades of experience serving East Brunswick—he’s also a recognized authority in backpack safety. As a Certified Backpack Safety America Instructor, he has devoted significant effort to educating families, schools, and communities about this preventable health challenge.
A Track Record of Advocacy
Over his 45-year career, Dr. Freedman has:
- Presented backpack safety workshops and seminars to PTAs and schools throughout New Jersey
- Testified before the New Jersey Assembly Education Committee on the dangers of overloaded backpacks, advocating for legislation to protect children
- Appeared on MSNBC, News 4 New York, and News 12 New Jersey, sharing practical advice with parents across the region
- Published articles in local newspapers emphasizing that protecting a child’s spine is essential to overall well-being
With five million adjustments performed since 1979, Dr. Freedman has the clinical experience to back up his advocacy.
Beyond Backpacks: The Bigger Picture
While backpack safety is crucial, children face many other stressors that influence spinal health: the birth process, sitting in poorly designed school chairs, sports activities, dietary challenges, screen time posture, and emotional pressures all contribute to potential spinal misalignments.
Dr. Freedman believes regular spinal checkups are vital, not just as a response to pain, but as proactive care that helps children function at their best and supports lifelong health.
Backpack Facts That Parents Should Know
- Choose a backpack that fits your child’s body size—not one they’ll “grow into.” Keep backpack weight to no more than 10-15% of your child’s body weight.
- Encourage your child to use both straps and adjust them so the pack sits high and snug on the back.
- Help your child pack only what is necessary, placing heavier items closest to their back.
- Watch for signs of discomfort, postural changes, or complaints of pain, and address concerns early.
Skill and Experience You Can Trust
Dr. Freedman’s passion for child wellness and backpack safety is backed by decades of clinical practice, community service, and public advocacy. His unique qualifications allow him to assess spinal concerns and provide guidance rooted in both science and real-world understanding.
Our patients trust us; just check our 5.0 rating on Google and five stars on Facebook.
Book a Spinal Check-up for Your Child
If you have concerns about your child’s posture, spinal health, or the impact of daily stressors (including backpacks), consider scheduling a spinal wellness checkup at Freedman Chiropractic. After more than 40 years serving families in East Brunswick, we know how to help your child start the school year strong.