Students need to be aware of the possible dangers of chronically wearing heavy backpacks.
Backpacks are now as essential as pencils, notebooks, and homework for students. Many schools have switched from using lockers to having students carry their daily-school supplies on their backs. While more convenient, it can cause rounding of the shoulders, spinal deformities, and back pain. This article will explore evidence that, in some cases, backpacks are hurting children and tips to counteract them.
The Dangers
In a day, the average student studies around eight subjects. For each class, a book may be needed, not to mention notebooks, worksheets, and other supplies. This load may hurt students. They should not carry more than 15% of their body weight, however, recent research has shown that only some loads reach this requirement, with loads ranging from 10% to 25%. Regardless of if they met the requirement, the studies also concluded that the loads cause increased forward lean, pain, and skin pressure.
When worn improperly, the negative effects of backpacks become far worse. Wearing a backpack over one shoulder, for example, can curve the spine. This leads to upper and lower back pain, strained shoulders and neck, and even scoliosis (spinal curvature). Even when worn properly, however, students still have to lean forward to compensate for the extra weight. This affects the natural curve of the spine. Thankfully, unless the student has a preexisting condition, the effect on the spine should be minimal.
Female students are more easily affected than male students. They are at greater risk and more susceptible to scoliosis.
The Solutions
When choosing backpacks to buy, students should look past just their colors and designs. Here’s what students should look for:
Wide, comfortable straps which can protect against the dangers of narrow straps (which can hinder circulation)
Multiple sections to help spread the load out evenly
Tightening the waist belt to distribute the weight evenly and to support abdominal muscles
A backpack that’s light when empty to minimize weight
If heavy backpacks have already caused damage to a student, they can get help from a certified physiotherapist. There are proven methods to help a student’s posture and improving spinal health, some of which include:
Helping patients through gentle exercises to mobilize their joints
Massaging weakened muscles in the neck, back, and shoulders
Manipulating soft tissue extend range of motion and ease tension
Works Cited
Chotigavanich, Charoen. "The Dangers of Heavy School Bags for Children's Backs." SamitiveJ Hospitals, 14 Aug. 2020, www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/heavy_school_bag.
Perrone, Michelle, et al. "The Impact of Backpack Loads on School Children: A Critical Narrative Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 15, no. 11, 12 Nov. 2018, p. 2529, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112529.
Rein, Michelle. "Are backpacks hurting your kids' backs?" Mayo Clinic Health System, 6 Sept. 2022, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/are-backpacks-hurting-your-kids-backs.
Sodhi, Ravin. "Impact of Bags on Student Posture and Practical Solutions." Active Physio Wellness Center, Active Physiotherapy Brampton, 14 Apr. 2024, activephysiobrampton.com/blog/impact-of-bags-on-student-posture-and-its-solutions/. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board