Backpacks & Spine Health | Pain Management | East Texas

Back to school is here for East Texas students. Many students will be walking to and from school, as well as all around school, with heavy backpacks full of books and learning materials. All parents should be aware and monitor the weight of their child’s backpack throughout the year. Backpacks and spine health go hand-in-hand – too much weight carried on the back can lead to additional muscle stress and back pain. If you have questions about the weight of your child’s backpack, please contact the pain management doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler.

In a large study, it was found that over 33% of children between the ages of 11-14 years reported some level of back pain and discomfort. The students who carried heavier backpacks reported more back pain than the students who carried lighter backpacks. Many medical professionals agree that heavy backpacks can lead to spinal injuries including muscle fatigue, lumbar curvature and lumbar disc compression. 

The back pain and discomfort caused by a backpack too heavy can usually be alleviated with reduced activity and/or rest. Pain management doctors often recommend that backpack weight should be limited to 10-15% of the child’s body weight in order to reduce the risk of spinal injuries. 

If you live in the East Texas area and would like additional information on backpacks and spine health, please contact the pain management doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler today. You can also view our full blog article dedicated to this topic here.