Bad Backs Bad for Back to School

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Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29, 1997 -- Back to school time is, well, back, and it's the back that has doctors at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles concerned.

The concerns stem from a new trend towards many schools across the nation eliminating lockers for security and space reasons and the trend toward larger and heavier backpacks by manufacturers in the $4 billion a year school supplies market.

"While there is no clinical research to suggest that large, overstuffed backpacks cause deformities (such as scoliosis) or long term problems with kids' backs, most studies show that 25 to 33 percent of adolescents have standard adult low back pain," said Dr. David Skaggs, a pediatric orthopedist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. "There is anecdotal evidence in our medical practice that suggests a strong connection between backpacks and back pain."

Dr. Skaggs suggests the following to alleviate back pain caused by carrying too heavy a load in a backpack:

• ALWAYS USE BOTH SHOULDER STRAPS: "It's important for children to use both shoulder straps instead of simply slinging the backpack over one shoulder," Dr. Skaggs says. "Using one strap can cause children to walk improperly and places all the load on one shoulder."

• PACK CORRECTLY: Dr. Skaggs recommends that heavier books and items be packed closest to the back so that the center of gravity is near the center of the pelvis. Secondly, he reminds children to not pack so that there are sharp comers. "A load on the shoulders will naturally cause you to lean forward," he said. "That's why it's important to distribute the weight evenly."

• SELECT THE BACKPACK THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU: "The standard two-strap backpack is good for light loads. For heavier loads, a backpack with a hip belt takes the load off of the shoulders and distributes it to the pelvis and hips," Dr. Skaggs said. Dr. Skaggs also recommends selecting a backpack that has a well padded area that touches the back and shoulders so sharp corners will not cause discomfort by sticking into the back.

"Carrying a backpack is not new. It's been done for centuries with the military, boy scouts and backpackers," Dr. Skaggs said. "When you have to carry these heavy loads for a long time over long distances, you learn quickly that distributing the weight evenly and transferring some of the load to the hips and pelvis is the most prudent way to prevent a bad back."

CONTACT: Ron Yukelson for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 213-669-2306