Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Round Spine Logo

(407) 295-1077

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Member Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
      • Your First Visit
      • Phase 1: Relief Care
      • Phase 2: Corrective Care
      • Phase 3: Wellness Care
    • Health Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Video Exercises
  • 3D Spine Simulator
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Community Content
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Back, Body & Joint Pain >
  • Backpacks and Back Pain

Backpacks and Back Pain

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Back, Body & Joint Pain

Backpacks are the tote of choice for most school-aged children with two books per class to lug around. In fact, it is reported that between 92% and 94% of schoolchildren carry backpacks. And it appears these contraptions are evolving somewhat with sturdier-looking designs, heavily padded straps and about a thousand small pockets for pencils, house keys and other knick-knacks. But even though the sturdiest backpacks can withstand the pressure, how are the kids taking it?

On average, children load their backpacks to between 10% and 22% of their own body weight. During a study conducted in 2005, researchers set out to quantify the pressure and pain incurred when backpacks are loaded so heavily. For the study, 10 children wore backpacks loaded to 0%, 10%, 20% or 30% of their body weight for 30 seconds to determine the amount of pressure under the backpack's shoulder straps. While wearing the backpacks, the children were also asked to report whether they felt any pain and, if so, the severity of that pain.

According to the results, pressure beneath the shoulder straps was "significantly increased" when the backpack was loaded at only 10% of the child's body weight - on the low end of the reported average. Increased pressure also was associated with an increase in pain, and interestingly the pressure was always greater on the right shoulder than the left shoulder. Over the long term, the researchers noted that uneven backpack loads could alter the curvature of a child's spine and produce back pain.
The authors of this study compiled their results and offered a few suggestions for parents of school-aged children and their parents:

  1. Backpacks should be positioned high on the back.
  2. Backpack straps should be worn over both shoulders.
  3. Weight in the backpacks should be minimized.
  4. Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps.

It is important to remember that 3 out of every 100 people have some degree of scoliosis - an abnormal curvature of the spine - that begins in childhood and has the potential to worsen over time. Having your child evaluated by a chiropractor is the best way to determine whether he or she has some degree of scoliosis. Chiropractic care can manage any problems related to scoliosis, and a lightened load on their back can have long-term benefits as well!

  • We May Help You With
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Disease Relief
    • Conditions Affecting Women
    • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Chiropractic Techniques
  • Chiropractic Therapies
  • Life is Motion
  • Healthy Thinking
    • Get Positive
    • Relaxation Techniques
  • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
    • Treat Yourself Well
    • Treat Others Well
    • Eat Well
  • Wellness Essentials
    • At Home
    • At Work
    • Exercise
    • Nutrition
    • What You Wear
  • Wellness Perspectives
    • Social
    • Physical
    • Spiritual
    • Mental
  • Wellness4Kids
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention

Contact Us Today!

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your home.

Office Hours

Monday:

10:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

4:00 pm- 8:00 pm*

*By appointment only

Wednesday:

10:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:30 am-10:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonial

  • "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
    -Thomas A. Edison

Featured Articles

Read about helpful topics

  • Is it Time to See a Chiropractor?

    Are you struggling with aches and pain? A chiropractic adjustment may offer the solution to your problems. ...

    Read More
  • Stop Work-Related Back Pain

    Does your back ache after a day at work? These tips can help you avoid back pain. ...

    Read More
  • Common Causes of Back Pain

    Is your back killing you? Find out what could be to blame for your pain. ...

    Read More
  • The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Recovery Sports Injuries

    Chiropractic care can help you get off the sidelines after a sports injury. ...

    Read More
  • Relieve Chronic Stress With Chiropractic Care

    Preventing stress-related pain can be as simple as scheduling regular chiropractic appointments. ...

    Read More
  • Adjusting to a New Year

    Want to stay healthier this year? Chiropractic offers a natural solution. ...

    Read More
  • Winter Activities that Can Cause Pain and How to Prevent It

    Do you know how to avoid winter aches and pains? ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Pain Worsen During the Winter? Cold Weather May Be To Blame

    Struggling with a painful chronic condition? Winter weather may worsen your pain. ...

    Read More
  • Relieving Stress and Pain During Holiday Celebrations

    Want to avoid aches and pains and lower stress this holiday season? Try chiropractic care! ...

    Read More
  • Debunking Common Chiropractic Myths

    Have you been wondering if everything you've heard about chiropractic treatment is true? Check out these common myths. ...

    Read More

Contact Us

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map