Back Problems Caused by Heavy Book Bags

Being a good student might be great for a resume or college application, but it also might be bad for your back, as well as other parts of your body. Carrying a book bag stuffed with books, a laptop and other miscellaneous items day after day for long periods of time can cause you to walk with poor posture, placing strain on several different parts of your body, but especially on your back.

Causes

Carrying a book bag that weighs more than 10 percent of one's body weight is carrying too much. Wearing a book bag low on the back can cause the shoulders to be pulled back, therefore bending one's spine in a weird way, causing strain to the back. Also, carrying all the weight of a book bag on one shoulder pulls that shoulder down, putting the back in a weird position and also straining the opposite shoulder.

Expert Insight

Dr. Wayne Yankus of the American Academy of Pediatrics says that book bags put kids off balance, causing them to have a posture that increases the likelihood of lower back pain. A study conducted at Auburn University reported that book bags that are too heavy for their wearers may threaten developing spines. Of the children who participated in the study, over half suffered from muscle soreness and back pain, while others suffered from numbness and shoulder pain.

Other Injuries

Overloaded book bags aren't only responsible for back injuries, although that is the main concern. Heavy book bags have also been found to cause neck pain, shoulder strain, headaches and a general exhaustion as they cause the body to have to overwork itself. Book bags that weigh too much may also be to blame for some ankle injuries as they cause their carriers to walk improperly under their oppressive weight.

Potential

There are some healthcare professionals who are concerned that heavy book bags may eventually be to blame for some cases of scoliosis and other permanent physical problems. While there isn't any concrete evidence yet that heavy book bags have caused cases of scoliosis, that may only be because of how recently the issue of heavy book bags has come to light.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent back injuries from carrying a book bag that is too heavy, one should limit the weight of the book bag to 10 percent of their body weight. A book bag with wide padded shoulder straps and a belt around the waist can also be helpful in avoiding back injury, as will avoiding book bags with one strap or that are messenger style. If you have to carry many items in your back pack on a daily basis, then purchasing one that has wheels and a handle may be the best option to avoid back injury.