By Melissa Bohorquez, Reporter
Ever wondered why your back hurts so much? Or if that pain is ever caused from a heavy backpack or duffel bag? According to a recent issue of Spine, teens commonly carry school backpacks that weigh anywhere from 10 to 22 percent of their body weight.
School nurse Barb Giese agrees.
“Not all backpacks are bad for the back, it depends on the weight and how they’re carrying them,” she said. “Students should lighten them up and tighten up the belt.”
Backpacks can do more damage than most think. Wearing a backpack or duffel bag can cause back, neck or shoulder pain, and muscle or joint injuries. This pain can be avoided by putting the heavier items at the bottom of the bag and closer to the back, because it will offer more support. Also, students should avoid carrying more then 20 percent of their body weight.
Junior Brooke Ekstrom said she experiences shoulder pain from the bag she uses for school.
“I have a duffel bag. It gives me a lot of shoulder pain, but only when I carry large books in it,” she said. “I should consider getting a backpack, but they’re just not ‘in.'”
Backpacks are an alternative to duffel bags, for school books and supplies. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load, but only when used correctly. Junior Clayton Brundige said he experiences back pain caused by his backpack, but there’s really nothing he can do because like many student athletes, he needs a larger bag to carry everything he needs.
“I have back pain mainly because of my track bag,” he said.