THE BACKPACK PROBLEM

In the clinical past of therapists, when their clients are teenagers or young adults with muscle skeletal disorders of the spine (e.g., lower back pain, scoliosis, upper back pain), one of the most common questions to be asked during history taking used to be "how long did you use backpacks during your school years?"

In an attempt to find out the reasons for that scoliosis, or the nagging back pain without an specific cause of injury, several times it pointed me to the use of the backpacks. Myself, I never had tips on which shoulder to use them, or to use in both at the same time, or how much weight would it be okey.... I just used them.

Nowadays, the use of the backpack has an added problem: electronic gadgets such as laptops and tables, that obviously add to the overall weight. Lately I have been looking for research papers that addresses the use of the backpacks in teenagers, elementary school and even in college. I was so impressed with the number of students, professionals, etc. that went on studying and publishing the peer reviewed papers...they are in the hundreds!!

Funny fact, several of them start this way:

"In recent years, an increase in musculoskeletal disorder complaints among school students has been reported...."

It goes without saying that is a problem that it’s there to stay and i will dedicate several posts just to discuss my discoveries related to the use of the backpacks along with possible solutions. There are solutions for the safe use of backpacks. Common sense and a little of information, and it should be okey.

TIP OF THE DAY

At the end of every post, I will add the tip of the day. If you have back pain or had back surgery, or simply is here to protect your spine or help your family member, this is the place to come by often. By the way, i like to answer questions the best way i can. Ask away and I will do my best to help.