Backpacks Force Children to Shoulder Too Much Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital When Jack, an adolescent who regularly walked to school, complained of back pain, neither he nor his father were prepared for the treatment plan. Jack's doctor said he should not carry his backpack for two weeks. This meant he needed extra help getting to and from school. "A typical 80 to 100 pound child totes a backpack weighing 30 pounds," says Angie Walker, physical therapist at Waukesha Memorial's Mukwonago Therapy Services. "That puts a lot of stress on the body and can cause injuries now or in the future." Among school-aged children, there has been a rise in the incidence of back-pack related pain and stiffness affecting the neck, back, shoulders and chest. The consumer Products Safety Commission in 1998 blamed backpacks for an estimated 3,300 emergency room visits by U.S. children ages 5 to 14. Backpacks also may factor into the substantial increase in nontraumatic back pain in children under the age of 18. To avoid risk of injury and permanent postural problems, follow these tips offered by Walker and Robert Zoeller, MD, medical director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. Get in shape. Back injuries are most common in sedentary children and adolescents. Lift backpacks by bending the knees. Use both straps Center the backpack high on the back, not slinging down to the buttocks. Scale down contents to essentials. Spread the load. Carry a book or two in hand. Consider buying the new "backpack with wheels" model. Learn and practice good posture, as it helps prevent back injury. Stop and stretch whenever carrying a backpack for more than 20 minutes. Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Check out our message boards in Peer Perspectives. Back to Experts' Advice Legal Stuff You Should Know