Studies hold backpacks to blame in juveniles' back pain
Adam Guarino
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: Health
Backpacks have always been synonymous with the school experience. They can be found on every campus in varying sizes and shapes, colors and styles. While these backpacks have always been considered pivotal to the success of the student, they have come under some controversy. Studies suggest that these same backpacks may actually be putting additional and unnecessary strain on our backs, priming us for health problems.
According to CNN News, "Overloaded backpacks are contributing to increased visits to doctors' offices," says Charlotte Alexander, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Houston. "The extra stress placed on the spine and shoulders from the heavy loads is causing some unnecessary medical problems in wearers."
While there is undeniable evidence that backpacks can cause short-term problems, it's unclear whether they may cause permanent orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, or long-term damage to still-developing skeletons. However, Jerome McAndrews, M.D., a chiropractic physician and spokesman for the American Chiropractic Association, says backpacks may cause disability later in life.
"Students are carrying far too much weight in their backpacks and they are carrying them fashionably but improperly, slung over one shoulder," he says. "The musculo-skeletal system has limited rejuvenation possibilities. We're concerned that the damage that is inflicted now will be showing up 30 years later in even more serious back injuries."
A second article at FoxNews.com hit specifically on the dangers of wearing a backpack too loose or too low.
According to Dr. John Hammer of the Hammer Chiropractic Center, "When a backpack hangs low on a student's back, it can create extra stress on the lower back - specifically the lumbar region. Tightening the straps and wearing them on both shoulders should help alleviate some back pain."
Hammer offers further guidelines for students having problems with their packs. He suggests photocopying sections of books so students don't have to lug textbooks around, speaking with a doctor about exercises that can strengthen back and abdominal muscles, buying the lightest backpacks possible, using bags with wheels, and making sure the bag fits properly (one size does not fit all).
According to CNN News, "Overloaded backpacks are contributing to increased visits to doctors' offices," says Charlotte Alexander, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Houston. "The extra stress placed on the spine and shoulders from the heavy loads is causing some unnecessary medical problems in wearers."
While there is undeniable evidence that backpacks can cause short-term problems, it's unclear whether they may cause permanent orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, or long-term damage to still-developing skeletons. However, Jerome McAndrews, M.D., a chiropractic physician and spokesman for the American Chiropractic Association, says backpacks may cause disability later in life.
"Students are carrying far too much weight in their backpacks and they are carrying them fashionably but improperly, slung over one shoulder," he says. "The musculo-skeletal system has limited rejuvenation possibilities. We're concerned that the damage that is inflicted now will be showing up 30 years later in even more serious back injuries."
A second article at FoxNews.com hit specifically on the dangers of wearing a backpack too loose or too low.
According to Dr. John Hammer of the Hammer Chiropractic Center, "When a backpack hangs low on a student's back, it can create extra stress on the lower back - specifically the lumbar region. Tightening the straps and wearing them on both shoulders should help alleviate some back pain."
Hammer offers further guidelines for students having problems with their packs. He suggests photocopying sections of books so students don't have to lug textbooks around, speaking with a doctor about exercises that can strengthen back and abdominal muscles, buying the lightest backpacks possible, using bags with wheels, and making sure the bag fits properly (one size does not fit all).