Heavy Backpacks And Back Pain In Children

[EricS]

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego has clearly established that heavier loads in typical school backpacks cause greater strain on children's spines causing increased back pain.

Researchers used an upright MRI scanner to catch images of 11 year old children with empty backpacks, and then with gradually increasing loads of 9, 18 and 26 pounds. The loads chosen were approximately 10, 20 and 30% of the mean body weight of the group.

The MRI scans showed that with greater loads the intervertebral discs were compressed, more so in the lower spine. There was also a significant curvature of the spine even at 18 lb. load. The children also reported a higher pain level, 5 out of10, at 26 lbs.

The study suggests that disk compression and spinal curvature caused by heavy backpack loads aggravate low back pain in children, even when worn with both straps rather than one as many children tend to do. The long term implication is an increased risk of early onset of low back pain as adults.

[admin]

It's certainly good to make sure that kids use both straps on their packs. Even with a lighter load this balances out the load and makes sure the load is not asymmetrical.

Another alternative is to get the kids a bag with wheels.

But better still just reduce the load.

Anyone have good tips for that ongoing debate with their kids about how much stuff to carry in their packs?

[BP4MS]

This is certainly very timely with kids starting to go back to school.

The ABC News website has 5 tips to prevent back injuries for kids:

1. Make sure the back pack is less than 10% of their body weight
2. Use both shoulder straps
3. It shouldn't hang more than 4 inches below the waist
4. Bend at the knees when picking it up
5. Take them to the Dr if they complain of back pain

[Back Pain Doctor]

I agree with the admin. It is advisable to have a bag with wheels rather than having a back pack fully loaded with things.