Backpack Misuse and Chronic Back Pain

More frequently now young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations.  One of the contributing factors is the use of overweight backpacks. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that backpack-related injuries sent more than 7,000 people to the emergency room in 2001 alone.

"In my own practice, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of young children who are complaining about back, neck and shoulder pain," said Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the ACA's Council (America Chiropractic Association Council) on Occupational Health. "The first question I ask these patients is, 'Do you carry a backpack to school?' Almost always, the answer is 'yes.'"

This back pain amongst young people isn't surprising.  If you look at the amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks and how disproportionate it is (often slung over just one shoulder). In addition, some school districts - many of them in urban areas - are removing lockers from the premises, forcing students to carry their books with them all day long. Dr. Mercola states:

"The problem has become so widespread, in fact, that the California State Assembly passed legislation that would force school districts to develop ways of reducing the weight of students' backpacks. Similar legislation is being considered in New Jersey as well. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) believes that limiting the backpack's weight to no more than 10 percent of the child's body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are possible solutions." 

So What Can You Do?
The ACA offers the following tips to help prevent the needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household.

• Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.
  
• The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
• A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. 
• Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
• Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
• Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child's shoulders.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
• If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
• Although the use of  backpacks on wheels has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls.

Chiropractic Care Can Help...
Call a chiropractor if  your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use.  They are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, chiropractors can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.


- information provided by American Chiropractic Association
- photos provided by Imagerymajestic and Ambro