Kewanee Hospital

Keep Back Pain in Check This School Year

September 08, 2011

Submitted by Mary Gordon, OTR/L, Kewanee Hospital Rehabilitation Services

 With school back in session, it is important to consider backpack safety for all students, young and old.  Parents and children may not think of backpacks being the cause of an aching back, sore shoulders, tingling arms, or poor posture.  However, often times, those heavy text books could be the cause.  A recent study showed there were more than 23,000 backpack-related injuries treated in emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, and clinics.

It has been proven that 64% of students age 11-15, and 85% of college students, reported back pain related to backpacks.  This is due to excess weight and improper wear of backpacks -- in fact, when a study was done in a middle school, 8 out of 10 students reported less pain after being shown the proper way to load and wear their backpacks.

How do you load a backpack to prevent these issues from occurring?  Never load a backpack or satchel so that it weighs more than 15% of your body weight.  For example, if a person weighs 100 pounds, their backpack should weigh no more than 15 pounds.  The weight of the bag can be kept in check by toting only necessary items.  It may help to carry a textbook or two in your arms.

The heaviest items should be loaded closest to the body and materials in the backpack should not slide around.  Many students wear their backpack on one shoulder, but weight should always be distributed between both straps.  If the backpack has a waist belt, that should be used as well.  Shoulder straps should be well padded.  

Make sure the backpack fits snugly against the back, and that the bottom of the backpack rests in the curve of the lower back.  Backpacks with wheels are also great options, particularly for college students who are walking long distances between classes.

For further information on backpack safety, call the Occupational Therapists at Kewanee Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services at 309-852-7931.