The Relationship Between Schoolbags And Back Pain

Today, there are many who believe that schoolbags and back pain are closely linked. This is true, but it is a reality that has different nuances.

First, the problem is not the backpack itself, but the way we use it. There is no doubt that when children carry a lot of weight incorrectly, it affects their muscles and bones. Although schoolbags and back pain are realities that are often linked, it is factors such as weight and weight distribution that fail.

One must also keep in mind that backpacks are products that many children and adults use every day. This continuous use requires necessary measures to protect the body. In this article, we explore the relationship between schoolbags and back pain.

Schoolbags and back pain

Several different studies deal with the relationship between schoolbags and back pain. Virtually all studies agree that approximately half of children under the age of 15 have experienced discomfort associated with the use of their school bag. 

There is also agreement that it is not healthy for a child to carry a weight that is heavier than 10-15% of their body weight. In fact, the Austrian Federation of Education, Science and Research banned children from carrying backpacks that exceeded 10% of their body weight. In Germany, there is a similar law.

In recent years, several studies have established a relationship between school bags and back pain as well as neck and shoulder injuries, etc. The problem has become important due to the prevalence of these problems in children, which were very unusual back in time.

However, some experts have warned that the increase in the problem is not just due to the use of backpacks. Other factors also play a role. The most prominent is children’s sedentary lifestyle, which weakens their musculoskeletal system.

Things to consider

A study conducted in the Netherlands found an inverse relationship between the performance of sports and back pain in children. In other words: The more hours children spend playing sports and exercise, the less back pain they have. 

Another study, which was also conducted in the Netherlands, indicated a very interesting fact: In many children with back pain, signs of psychosomatic problems were also found. Emotional, family, or individual factors tend to be associated with children who more often suffer from back pain.

Too much weight in the school bags as well as improper use can lead to various problems. Some of these problems are:

• Muscle tension in the lower back. This occurs because the child leans his body forward when the backpack is too heavy.
• Misadjustment in the spine. This occurs for reasons like the one mentioned above.
• Increased lordosis (curvature of spine). When a child carries his backpack on one shoulder, the risk of lordosis increases.

Recommendations

The first recommendation is that you consider getting your child to do more sports and exercise. Physical inactivity is not good for anyone – and not at all for children, as they are still developing. In addition, you should take some precautionary measures regarding school bags:

• Buy a backpack with suitable measurements. The backpack must not be below the waist and the width must not exceed the shoulder width.

• Make sure there are appropriate straps. They must be padded and must be adjusted to ensure that the backpack remains attached to the back. Experts recommend backpacks with handles so they can be lifted up from the floor.
• Consider more rooms. When the inner part of the backpack is divided into compartments, the contents move less around, which provides stability.
• Avoid overfilling the backpack. Children should completely avoid filling their backpack with too many things and cases. This is the most damaging factor.
• Distribute and transport things properly. The heaviest things should be closer to the body. Children should carry their backpacks on both shoulders.