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[Backpack and spinal disease: myth or reality?]
J Cottalorda1, S Bourelle, V Gautheron
1Equipe d'accueil EA E2S 3062, Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie de l'Exercice et du Handicap, Saint-Etienne. j.cotta@mageos.com
Summary
Childhood back pain is a growing concern. Heavy school backpacks, exceeding 10% of body weight, are linked to spinal pain, though not directly to scoliosis.
Area of Science:
- Public health
- Pediatric health
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Context:
- Back pain is a significant public health issue affecting both adults and children.
- Increased research in recent years highlights the need to differentiate evidence from speculation regarding spinal pain.
- Recognized risk factors include gender, genetics, psychological patterns, sedentary behavior, trauma, physical activity, and age.
Purpose:
- To review existing literature on spinal pain in children and adolescents.
- To identify evidence-based risk factors for back pain, with a focus on school backpack weight.
- To examine the relationship between backpack characteristics and spinal health.
Summary:
- Heavy school backpacks, especially those exceeding 20% of a child's body weight, are strongly associated with back pain.
- Carrying backpacks improperly, including on one shoulder, can alter posture, gait, and spinal alignment.
- While back pain in adolescents may predict adult chronic pain, current evidence does not link backpack weight to spinal deviations like scoliosis.
Impact:
- Informs parents and educators about the risks associated with heavy backpacks.
- Highlights the importance of proper backpack usage and weight management for children's spinal health.
- Suggests potential avenues for future research into backpack design and ergonomic solutions.