Backpacks can hurt you?

With school comes homework! And with homework comes the need to carry books from school to home. Backpacks are both a practical and a popular way to carry those books. Though backpacks can be helpful, they can if not used correctly, lead to increased chance of back pain.

Often time students will place too many books or other objects in the backpack at one time causing the backpack to weigh too much. Most experts suggest that a backpack should weigh no more than 10 % to 15% of the body weight of the user.

A heavy backpack will cause added strain on the back and also cause the shoulders to be compressed downward excessively, possibly leading to arm and hand problems. With too much weight behind the back from the backpack the student will compensate for the excessive weight by leaning forward.

When a person wears the backpack over only one shoulder, the weight of the backpack is improperly distributed. This will again make the person compensate for the added weight on one side by leaning away from the shoulder with the backpack. This abnormal position over a continued period of time can result in both injury and long term changes that may affect the person later on in life.

Backpacks with narrow straps can dig into the shoulders creating pressure on the blood vessels and the nerves in the region more than backpacks with wide straps. Use of backpacks with narrow straps lead to an increased likeliness of numbness and weakness in the arms and the hands of the student.

What things can be done to assure that use of a backpack doesn’t irritate or cause back pain? 1. Always use both shoulder straps of a backpack rather than one strap. 2. Pack the backpack with the heaviest objects first so that they are closest to the body of the student. 3. Adjust the straps so that the backpack is held about 2 inches above the waist. Do not carry the backpack near the buttocks. 4. If the backpack has a waist strap, then use it. It will help distribute the weight more evenly. 5. Use a backpack that has wide and padded straps. 6. Pack light. The backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 15% of the person’s body weight. (If you have to lean forward while using the backpack, then it is too heavy.)

Chiropractic can help ease some of the tension and strains that have been caused by using a excessively heavy backpack. If you would like an appointment call (801) 489-4990.