About Arbor Lakes Chiropractic
Recent Studies about Backpack Injuries
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A study by Northeastern University (June, 01) reported that the average student has a VAS (visual analog scale) pain level of 4.3 with a high percent reporting pain in the range of 8-9. The students who wore an AirPacks backpack for six weeks had a VAS pain level of 1.8, a 50% reduction in pain.
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A study by Simmons College (February, 2001) found that 55% of students carry more than the recommended guidelines of 10 – 15%
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In November ‘99 the American Physical Therapy Association issued a statement concerning backpack injury.
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When 200 New England school nurses were surveyed, 66% reported seeing students with pain or injury that cold be attributed to carrying backpacks that were too heavy.
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“It typically puts them off balance and gives them a posture that promotes low back pain,” said Dr. Wayne Yankus of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on School Health. “A lot of kids don’t suffer it immediately, but over the long run they might.”
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In October, 99 the American Academy of Orthopedics stated that “of the more than 100 physicians surveyed”:
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71% felt that backpacks are a clinical problem for children
- 58% have seen patients complaining of back or shoulder pain related to
backpacks
- 65% have recommended that a patient modify the use of a backpack to improve or
correct a back problem
- 52% feel that backpack injury is a significant problem
- Survey was conducted amongst physicians from Children’s Memorial Hospital,
Chicago, IL and Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE
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In November ‘98 the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning concerning injuries related to backpacks. The commission estimated that “3,300 children aged 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms last year for injuries related to book bags”.
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An Auburn University study reported that heavy backpacks might be a threat to spinal development. In their survey sample, the average pack was 17% of the child’s weight. 67.2% of the children studied suffered muscle soreness, 50.8% back pain, 24.5% numbness and 14.7% shoulder pain.
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Studies at Johns Hopkins Children Center show overloaded backpacks as the cause of shoulder or lower-back pain and poor posture.
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University of Michigan researchers estimate that up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18.
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National Public Radio reported that 65% of adolescents' visits to the doctor are for backpack related injuries (October, ‘98).
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Over the past four years, local television and print have extensively covered this topic. This has included coverage by the New York Times, NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, National Public Radio, Time Magazine, Parents Magazine, Consumers Report and Good Housekeeping.
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The current student backpacks do not provide the ergonomic support necessary to prevent back injury for students carrying the average 30 lbs. of books.
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Older students (12-18 years) magnify this back injury problem by carrying their backpacks with one strap (on one shoulder) instead of two, directing the weight to one side of the body. There is evidence that this encourages scoliosis and other permanent physical problems.
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Currently the industry is fashion focused and has ignored the many consumer and professional concerns regarding the ergonomics of packs. The backpack manufacturers are sidestepping the issue and blaming this problem on schools and the increased academics that require students to lug around more than 10% (as much as 40%) of their body weight. The market leaders, Jansport and LL Bean are concerned with the liability associated with addressing this problem.