A new form of neglect?

We've all been through it: the heavy backpack.

But increasing numbers of students are now reporting consistent back pains. 

In a study led by the University of California in Riverside, 64% of students reported having back pain at some time.

Two out of every five students reported feeling pain while wearing their backpacks. Of those reporting pain, almost 90% reported the back pain being "bad" or "very bad".

The following statistics were drawn of those reporting back pain:

• 21% said their pain lasted more than six months
• about 16% said they had missed school, gym, class, or after-school sports as a result of back pain
• only about 17% said they had seen a doctor for their back pain
• most of these students said the pain was recurrent *

In response, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) designated the third Wednesday of each September as National School Backpack Awareness Day. AOTA also promotes public awareness of backpack injuries, as well as gives tips and strategies to avoid them.

Have you been checking the weight of your child's backpack?

* SOURCE: Siambanes, D. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, March/April 2004; vol 24: pp 211-271. News release, University of California, Riverside.

For comments, questions, or story ideas, email Janice Chong at contactjanicechong@gmail.com.

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About the Author

JANICE CHONG * SOURCE: Siambanes, D. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, March/April 2004; vol 24: pp 211-271. News release, University of California, Riverside.

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