Health Publications

Oh, my aching backpack

American Fitness, March-April, 2003

One would be hard-pressed to find a child who doesn't carry his or her books in a backpack. Unfortunately, "a backpack stuffed with textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies could be causing your child's back pain," says Andrew Marsh, a physical therapist at the University of Michigan Health System's Spine Program. Improper use results in a slew of back pain complaints and those complaining are getting younger and younger.

A recent study found most children carry too much weight in their bags--as much as 15 to 20 pounds or 20 to 25 percent of their body weight, often using backpacks designed to hold five to seven pounds. The weight then falls to the bottom of the backpack, creating more drag on the child's shoulders. To compensate, he or she will lean forward, causing the head to protrude so the eyes can look straight ahead. This puts a lot of stress on the C7-T1 area, a common place for neck pain. Children aren't wearing their backpacks properly either. "Many kids wear them way too low," says Marsh.

"Teens should look for backpacks with thick shoulder straps and a support strap, like a waist belt. The belt will give a lot of support and help alleviate some of the pressure on the back," says Marsh. "Younger kids don't necessarily need the belt, but their bags should have good shoulder straps." When shopping for a backpack, make sure it's appropriate for the size of your child and can properly support the weight he or she plans to carry.

For more information on backpack safety, visit www.med.umich.edu/pmr/spine/backpack.htm.>