Young backs at risk

Back pain is a condition we usually associate with growing older. However, these days back trouble is no longer confined to adults; more and more children and young people are also reporting discomfort.

In many cases, the cause of back pain in younger age groups is carrying excessive loads to and from school in an ill-fitting backpack. If your children are displaying poor posture or complaining of back pain it may be that they have the wrong backpack, or are not wearing it properly.

In South Australia a physiotherapist leads a group of researchers who, since 1997, have undertaken the most complete research ever conducted on the relationship between adolescent school-related loads and posture problems and pain. Over 1200 young people aged 12–18 years were involved. In brief the study has found that heavily loaded backpacks (on average loaded with more than five kilograms) are responsible for posture problems that may cause neck and back pain in school age children, and may lead to permanent spinal damage in later life. These findings created the need for a backpack designed to incorporate positive design features and limit the loads that children carry.

Ideally, the centre of mass of a pack should be at waist height. It should fit the body comfortably and have adjustable buckles to lower or lift the pack into position once on the wearer’s back. There should be a waist belt to keep the load in place when on the move, and separate compartments to allow heavy items to be packed close to the body. The pack should be padded where it touches the back, and should be made of firm material to prevent sagging.

The PhysioPak, which is now endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, was developed in consultation with the South Australian researchers. Careful testing has shown that PhysioPak induces less postural response than ‘off the shelf’ packs. This may reduce the neck and back pain normally associated with load carriage in school age children.

The original PhysioPak was so popular that it has been followed by a Primary model. Slightly different according to the size of the intended wearer, both packs are based on important design features identified in the research that provide real benefits to the wearer and promote good spinal health. The beauty of the PhysioPaks is that the design dictates that the most comfortable position will most likely be found quite naturally by the wearer.

Ask your physiotherapist for advice if your children have back pain, and about whether a PhysioPak would be suitable.

Top tips for back packs

• Limit your load; plan ahead so you don’t carry too much.
• Never carry more than 10% of your body weight.
• Pack heavy items closest to the spine.
• Take regular short rests when carrying a heavy pack.
• Always wear your backpack over both shoulders.