Backpack Use Directly Associated with Back Pain in Adolescents
Spine 2003; 28(9):922-930
Objective: Investigate relationship between backpack use and back pain in adolescents.
Summary: Prevalence of nonspecific back pain increases dramatically during adolescence.
Methods: 1126 children, ages 12-18 complete questionnaire about their health, activities, and backpack use. Each child's body weight, height, and backpack weight were measured. Children classified as having back pain if one or more of the following were reported during the preceding month:
1. Neck or back pain that had interfered with school or leisure.
2. Neck or back pain with a severity rating of 2 or more on a scale 0 to 10.
3. Visited a healthcare professional for neck or back pain.
4. Exemption from physical education or sports because of neck or back pain.
Results:
1. Of 1122 backpack users, 835 (74.4%) classified as having back pain.
2. Females 2x more likely to have back pain.
3. Back pain more likely in students reporting poorer general health.
4. Adolescents with back pain carried significantly heavier backpacks.
Conclusion: Use of backpacks during school day and backpack weights independently associated with back pain.
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