Backpack Misuse Lead to Chronic Back Pain, Doctors of Chiropractic Say

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Backpack Misuse Leads to Chronic Back Pain, Doctors of Chiropractic Say

ARLINGTON, Va., July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Backpacks have made it easy for
many Americans to throw in everything but the kitchen sink without realizing
they could be throwing out their backs. Millions of students are racing to the
school bus or scurrying to their classes with overstuffed backpacks slung over
one shoulder. At the same time, more adults have opted for lugging a backpack,
rather than a briefcase, to and from the office. While carrying a backpack
might seem harmless enough, it can cause some painful back and neck problems
for people who don't pack or carry their backpacks properly, according to the
American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

"Back pain is pervasive in our society," said ACA President James A.
Mertz. "Eighty percent of all Americans will suffer from it at some point in
their lives, and 50 percent of us will suffer from low-back pain this year
alone. Much of this suffering is brought on by bad habits initiated during our
younger years-such as carrying overweight backpacks to school."

A recent survey by Lands' End Direct Merchants found that more than 96
percent of children ages 8 to 12 will carry a backpack to school this year. Of
those, nearly one-third will carry their backpack improperly. Similarly, a
recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a
backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound backpack for a 176-pound
man, or a 29-pound backpack for a 132-pound woman.

What Can You Do?

The ACA offers the following tips to parents to help prevent the needless
pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household. (And,
now that backpacks have begun replacing briefcases in the work place, you,
too, might want to follow this advice):

* Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of
his or her body weight. If the backpack is heavier, it will cause your
child to begin bending forward in an attempt to support the weight on
his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.

* The position of the backpack is important. The backpack should never
hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs
too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to
lean forward when walking.

* A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the
contents most effectively. When packing the backpack, make sure that
pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on
your child's back. An uneven surface rubbing against the back could
cause painful blisters.

* Keep in mind that bigger is not necessarily better. Parents should buy
the best-designed backpack possible for their child. The more room
there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier
the backpack will be.

* It is important that your child wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the
backpack around by one shoulder strap can cause the disproportionate
shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well
as low-back pain.

* Padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable,
and can dig into your child's shoulders.

* The shoulder straps should also be adjustable so the backpack can be
fitted to your child's body. Shoulder straps that are too loose can
cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal
misalignment and pain.

* If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. It
might be possible for your child to leave the heaviest books at school,
and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.

* If your child continues to complain about back pain, consider an
alternative to traditional backpacks-packs on wheels. More parents and
children are realizing the benefits of this safer way to transport
books and other necessities to and from school.

* Talk to your child about the proper use of backpacks and help him or
her understand why this and other ergonomic issues are important. A
child who is educated early in life on the importance of ergonomics can
apply this knowledge later in life-at home or in the office-and will be
happier and healthier as a result.

For the Hiker

* Backpacks are not only a necessity in school, but also important for
such outdoor enthusiasts as campers and hikers. When being fitted for a
hiking backpack, find a backpack that accommodates your dorsal length-
the area from the upper back to the bottom of your ribs-not your total
height.

* While hiking, the shoulder straps should be placed in the center of
each clavicle, or collarbone. The shoulder straps are for increased
stability, not for carrying an increased load. For proper wear and
comfort, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the
straps.

* Most backpacks designed for hiking are equipped with hip belts. Since
most hikers fill their backpacks completely, hip belts are designed to
carry the majority of the load for longer periods of time. Be sure the
belt is fitted along the area around the hips and above the pelvic
bone, where your pants usually ride.

* When packing your hiking backpack, place the heaviest items in the
bottom, the lighter items higher and in the pockets. Too much weight at
the top of the backpack will result in an off-centered,
disproportionate shift of weight, which can result in back pain.

"If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from
backpack misuse, call your doctor of chiropractic," said Dr. Mertz.

Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat
patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In
addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to
help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good
nutrition, posture and sleeping habits. Numerous studies throughout the world
have shown that chiropractic treatment, which primarily includes spinal
manipulation to correct a subluxation, is effective and safe for a variety of
conditions.

For more information about the proper use of backpacks, chiropractic care
or to find a doctor of chiropractic near you, call the ACA at 800-986-4636, or
visit their Web site at http://www.acatoday.com.

SOURCE American Chiropractic Association