Facts About Backpack Injury
· Heavy backpacks have a destructive impact on the posture and spinal health of
children.
· Today’s heavy loads are causing injuries that can last a lifetime.
· 55% of students carry more than the recommended national guidelines of 10-15% of body weight. (Simmons College, April , 2001)
· The average student has a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain of 5.8 (Northeastern University). The study further showed that a good way to prevent this injury was with an AIRPACKS backpack. Specifically, the average student wearing an AIRPACKS backpack had a 50% reduction in pain as compared to the control group and had an average VAS score of 1.8
· 66% of school nurses reported seeing students with pain or injury attributed to carrying backpacks. (AIRPACKS survey, 2000)
· Up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18
years of age. (University of Michigan)
· National Public Radio reported that 65% of adolescents’ visits to doctors are for backpack related injuries. (October, 1998)
· The American Academy of Orthopedics stated that backpack injury is a significant problem for children.
- 58% have seen patients complaining about back or shoulder pain related to
backpacks
- 65% have recommended that a patient modify use of a backpack to improve
or correct a back problem. (October 1999)
- Medical professionals advise that individuals carry no more than 10-15% of
their body weight on their backs. Example: a child weighing:
Users’ weight Backpack weight
50 lbs. No more than 7.5 lbs.
80 lbs. No more than 12 lbs.
100 lbs. No more than 15 lbs.
130 lbs. No more than 19.5 lbs.
Many children, teens and adults are carrying up to 40 lbs. and are
potentially injuring themselves.
Visit us at All Injury Rehab for more information and to set up an appointment.
