August 27, 2001

Backpack Safety

BINGHAMTON, NY - Back to school should not signal the start of aches and pains but, for many youth who carry backpacks, it could mean several visits to the doctor's office.

In a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 58 percent of orthopedists reported examining patients complaining of back and shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks. "Overloaded backpacks are contributing to these increased visits to the physician's office," reported Charles Wolford, Public Health Director of the Broome County Health Department. "The extra stress placed on the spine and shoulders from the heavy loads is causing unnecessary injuries in children." "More than 70 percent of the orthopedists surveyed indicated that heavy backpacks can become a clinical problem in school-aged children," Mr. Wolford said.

"Muscle fatigue and strain top the list of injuries that could occur if children continue to load their backpacks with too many books, athletic equipment and other school essentials. Children and their parents must learn how to use backpacks properly in order to decrease stress on their backs and shoulder muscles," said Mr. Wolford.

"A backpack could cause injury when its contents weigh 20 percent of the child's body weight," noted Mr. Wolford. "If you have a 90-pound female carrying a 20 pound backpack, then the backpack weight becomes a medical issue. It's at this level when students could experience muscle fatigue or injuries to their bodies, especially the spine and shoulders," he added.

The survey also indicated that excessive weight carried in backpacks can cause some children to develop bad habits early in life, such as poor posture or excessive slouching.

Asking young people to modify the way they use their backpacks is one way to combat the problem. The Broome County Health Department recommends that children and their parents adopt these guidelines when using backpacks:

• A backpack's weight should not exceed 20 percent of the child's body weight, and even less for children in grades 1-4.
• Use a hip strap for heavier weights.
• Use a backpack with padded, wide straps and a padded back.
• Use both of the backpack's straps, firmly tightened, to hold the backpack 2 inches above your waist.
• Engage in exercises to better condition your back muscles.
• Use correct lifting techniques. Bend with both knees when picking up a heavy backpack.
• Neatly pack your backpack and try to keep the items in place.
• Try to make frequent trips to your locker, between classes, to remove items from your backpack you do not need.
• Consider purchasing a backpack with wheels.

"In general, backpacks are a good idea," said Mr. Wolford. "But, when they are too heavy, they place too much stress on the back. If the back muscles are not strong and healthy and the backpack is not properly positioned, injuries can occur."

For more information on back safety, contact the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.3944.

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