Backpacks are the practical choice for students and commuters alike but in recent years they have become somewhat of a fashion trend for elementary school children. As a result, health care professionals, including physical therapists, are treating increasing numbers of children with backpack-related injuries.
Neck, shoulder and back pain are the main complaints. While these pains do not typically last long, the risk of developing long lasting problems warrants a closer look at the use of backpacks and at ways of decreasing these risks.
While there is no consensus on how much load is too much, it may be equally important how the weight is actually carried. Recommended guidelines vary between 10% and 15% of your body weight.
The way the weight is distributed and the absorption properties of backpacks are some of the key features to consider when selecting and safely wearing a backpack. The load in the backpack can be more evenly distributed across the body by wearing both shoulder straps and waist belts, using backpacks with separate compartments and loading the backpack so that the heaviest items are closest to the body. Choosing backpacks with broad and padded straps that fit snuggly to the body also help absorb load. The addition of a back support piece provides an advantage with the load positioned next to the body.
Physical therapists play a role not only treating the pain caused by backpack-related injuries but also a preventative role by educating patients on backpacks and help correcting your posture.