New Study: The Effect of Backpacks on the Lumbar Spine in Children

With all the questions and doubts that we have had about backpacks and how they affects our childrens backs, here is a recent study that has proven this topic to be true.

Neuschwander, Timothy B. MD; Cutrone, John MD; Macias, Brandon R. BA; Cutrone, Samantha; Murthy, Gita PhD; Chambers, Henry MD; Hargens, Alan R. MD

Abstract

Study Design. This study is a repeated measures design to measure the lumbar spine response to typical school backpack loads in healthy children. The lumbar spine in this setting was measured for the first time by an upright magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to measure the lumbar spine response to typical school backpack loads in healthy children. We hypothesize that backpack loads significantly increase disc compression and lumbar curvature.

Summary of Background Data. Children commonly carry school backpacks of 10% to 22% bodyweight. Despite growing concern among parents about safety, there are no imaging studies which describe the effect of backpack loads on the spine in children.

Conclusion. Backpack loads are responsible for a significant amount of back pain in children, which in part, may be due to changes in lumbar disc height or curvature. This is the first upright MRI study to document reduced disc height and greater lumbar asymmetry for common backpack loads in children.