Articles - Backpacks And Back Pain
Dr. Thomas R. Dempsey, MD
With the beginning of school, orthopadeic surgeons anticipate not only visits for the athletic injuries, but also a common recent complaint from children with back pain, according to Dr. Thomas R. Dempsey of the Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic, P.C. It seems that student backpacks now are a source of concern as a possible contribuitor to upper and lower back discomfort in children. A load of 30-35 pounds of books for a fifth or sixth grader weighing 70-90 pounds can represent almost one-third of their body weight. So the question of whether of not backpacks contribute to back pain has become a common question for the orthopaedic surgeon.
Carrying the Load
By coincidence, there have been several studies done in the last year looking at large numbers of children who carry backpacks on a regular basis and children who use a locker for their books. "Unfortunately, a lot of our schools have abandoned the locker policy, and require children to carry their books throughout the day," notes Dr. Dempsey. "It has been shown that there is a statistically higher rate of back pain in the children who carry the backpacks on a daily basis. This can range from achy pain between the shoulder blades to nagging pain in the lower back. Seldom is it severe enough to require any acute treatment, but it is a source of concern."
No Long-Term Problems
Recent studies byt the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons hace shown that, although carrying the backpacks may cause some discomfort, it does not cause any permanent damage or lead to any problems in the long run. "The one question we are commonly asked is, 'In children who have deformaties of the spine, this, scoliosis (curves) or kyphosis (humps), does it increase the curve or the hump?' The answer to that question is no," said Dr. Dempsey. Pain is often an early warning of our body's protective mechanism.
If the pain persists, have it checked out by your physician. back pain in children is common. For it to persist is not. Pain that prevents children from participating in their normal activities, whether it is the back or any other joint, should be attended to immediately.
If you have questions about back pain, call Dr. Dempsey's office at 251-342-7621.
Helpful tips in dealing with children and backpacks:
- 1.) Make sure that your children only carry the books that are necessary.
- 2.) Buy a good quality backpack that is well fitted to your child.
- 3.) Make sure the backpacks are worn properly. Often children will sling on strap over the shoulder and let it dangle. This creates an unbalanced situation for the spine.
- 4.) If your child truly has a spine condition, have your physician write a letter to the school system so that he or she may consider an alternative to a backpack, i.e. a rolling suitcase cart as an option.
- 5.) Children who are in good physical condition have fewer musculoskeletal aches and pains than children who are not. This includes back pain. Encourage your children to be physically fit.
