Survey Offers Tips for Preventing Backpack Injuries

LaGrange, IL – July 2005 - It’s “back to school” time once again! This fall, more than 40 million students will head off to class with backpacks slung over their shoulders; about 20 million of them will be carrying twice the recommended weight on their backs. Improperly used and overloaded backpacks can lead to painful neck and back problems that may last a lifetime.

According to a recent survey conducted by the North American Spine Society (NASS), in the past year 42.6% of NASS member physicians have treated children or teens suffering from back pain or spine trauma caused by overloaded or improperly used backpacks. The diagnoses range from cervical, thoracic and lumbar strain to spondylolysis, a stress fracture in one of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column.

To raise awareness of this issue, the North American Spine Society offers the ABCs of Backpacking - tips for parents and students in backpack injury prevention.

Allow wheels – 31.7% of those surveyed recommend using a backpack on wheels. This type of back pack is helpful if a child is already symptomatic or if parents anticipate that he/she will be carrying loads more than 25 lbs.

Back to basics – 20.8% of the spine specialists polled recommend the traditional style backpack. If you opt for this style, make sure the pack has two thick, padded straps along with a waist strap for added lumbar support.

Comfort counts – 30.7% of NASS members recommend that parents don’t buy the first back pack they see. It’s important to make sure the backpack feels comfortable to the child and the straps can be adjusted for a tight fit.

Don’t overload – Whatever backpack style parents choose for their children, it’s important to remember that what’s inside that really counts! In fact, 64% of those surveyed claim that overloading the pack is the number one way children and teens improperly use their backpacks. All of the doctors surveyed agreed that the size of the pack should be proportionate to the child, NOT to the size of the items he will be carrying.

Everything is too much – Pack only what you need! NASS members recommend that the pack should weigh no more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight.

Fit your frame – Always use both straps and adjust them snugly on your shoulders.

Get organized – Organize the pack so the heavy items are closest to your back. Use smaller compartments to help store loose items and distribute the weight evenly.

Heavy hurts! – Don’t carry more than you can handle. Make frequent stops to unload the pack. Encourage your child not to carry all the books they will need for the day.

NASS Vice President Dr. Joel Press, a leading physiatrist at the Chicago Rehabilitation Institute, says: “When used properly, backpacks are a great way for kids to carry their schoolbooks and supplies they need throughout the day. Parents should be sure and ask their children if they feel any pain in the back or the neck. And, if a child is experiencing discomfort, be sure and take it seriously and see a specialist.”

If parents are concerned about the heavy school loads children and teens are carrying on a daily basis, they can also:

• Contact the school and work with teachers to identify ways to lighten the load.
• Purchase two sets of books – one set for home and the other to be left at school (another cost effective option is to make photocopies of the week’s book chapters at the library).
• Encourage children to be active and to strengthen the muscles in and around the back and neck to protect and aid in injury prevention.

For more information on backpack injury prevention, other spine related topics or to schedule an interview with a NASS spine care expert in your area, please contact NASS at (630) 230-3600.

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NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. Since its start in 1985, NASS has grown to nearly 4,000 members in 22 spine-related specialties. NASS members are MDs, DOs, and PhDs, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators, and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented as affiliate members.

For further information, contact:
North American Spine Society
Toll-free: (866) 960-6277   Direct: (630) 230-3600
or
Kathleen Hansen
(630) 933-9477