Cub
Chat Fall 2004
Metabolic Syndrome........2
Mini-thons.........4
Neonatal Screening Tests........6
Volume 10, Number 3
Oh, My Aching Back!
P
arents, have you ever heard that exclamation as your children troop home from school? You are likely to if your child is carrying one of those backpacks that seems to weigh half of what the child does! More and more health professionals are becoming concerned about the loads our children are carrying in their backpacks, and how that affects their health. According to Barbara Ostrov, M.D., a Penn State Children’s Hospital pediatric rheumatologist, “This issue is even more important in children with arthritis and spine problems.” According to an article in the PatriotNews (March 2000), kids are packing everything from Pokemon card collections and video games to gym clothes and shoes, and of course, books. Teens who consistently overpack are at risk of developing injuries such as tendonitis, and chronic neck and back problems later in life. In the children who carry heavy loads, the rate of lower back pain is approaching that seen in adults. Those at highest risk to overpack are between the ages of 11 and 13, particularly girls. In one study from Italy, most children were carrying more than 30 percent of their body weight at least once during the school week! Common symptoms of overly heavy backpacks are tingling sensations or numbness in the hands, soreness in the neck and shoulders, muscle and lower back pain. The article and Dr. Ostrov recommend that no more than 5 to 10 percent of body weight be carried on
the back; any additional weight should be distributed across the front.
What to do There are some common-sense approaches to dealing with this problem. Obviously, decrease the load! Children should carry only necessary items. The following table gives you some guidelines for weights: Child’s Weight
Maximum Backpack Weight
90 lbs. 80 lbs. 70 lbs. 50 lbs.
13.5 lbs. 12.0 lbs. 10.5 lbs. 7.3 lbs.
As cited in the Patriot-News article, these are some practical guidelines Dr. Ostrov suggests to follow: ■ Padded straps are most comfortable and don’t dig into shoulders. ■ Adjustable shoulder straps enable you to fit the backpack properly. Straps that are too loose may allow the pack to hang uncomfortably and result in more pain. ■ A pack with multiple compartments allows for better distribution of packed items. ■ Consider a backpack with wheels — they are more readily available these days and are becoming more affordable. ■ Limit the amount of weight. This may require some negotiation with teachers. ■ Use both straps rather than just slinging the pack over one shoulder. The heaviest items should be closest to
■
the body to keep the center of gravity closest to the center of the pelvis. Check your children’s posture once the backpack is on. They should be easily able to stand straight, not leaning forward or to one side or the other. ❖
Adapted from the American Juvenile Arthritis newsletter of the Central Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation, Summer 2000.