[General Spine] Back To School, Backpack Safety

[Justin]

Backpacks are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of school children across the nation. As students gear up for back to school this fall, Minnesota chiropractors would like to offer parents ways to help children avoid backpack injuries. Over 40 million students carry a backpack to school each day.....

Back To School, Backpack Safety (click here for the full article at Medical News Today)

[KBear]

Wanted to add that they are making quite a few backpacks on wheels now. The one I got my daughter can be worn on the back, or it has a handle that comes out of the top that she can pull it with. I don't remember exactly what I paid for it, but it wasn't much more than a traditional one, maybe $30 at that most. The only negatives I see with these are a) if the child pulling it is not paying attention, they can inadvertently trip someone (by not keeping it close to them) and b) it can get pretty dirty on the bottom, since it isn't real high off the ground (okay, I know not a biggie, but I'm OCD ).

[Hooch]

I reckon they have to institute controls on the amount of textbooks young kids lug around. It probably will eventually be made redundant with laptops (if it isn't already).

Wanted to add that they are making quite a few backpacks on wheels now.

I just get this image of a pram for some reason. If you'd asked me as a teenager, I'd probably just take the bad back and look cool, slung low over one shoulder and all.

[KBear]

I just get this image of a pram for some reason. If you'd asked me as a teenager, I'd probably just take the bad back and look cool, slung low over one shoulder and all.

Of course we all would have, because we were all still invincible at that point in our lives! Dang, what happened?!

I lugged quite a few of the old huge dictionaries home with my books. I was forever getting in trouble and having to write the definition of Quiet.... Some things never change!

[SemperFi]

I'm still trying to make myself part with my old texts from Grad school. They're these hug medical texts I got back in the 80's. Somehow I still want to hang onto a few tho I can hardly lift them off the bookshelves. I cannot believe at any time I ever lugged any of these books anywhere (tho I do distinctly remember undergrad nursing school and lugging around 2 backpacks ~ one on my back and one carried in front of me! Stupid stupid girl!!! thank goodness for much lighter technologies when it comes to reading materials!

[Katie]

We have our own 'expert' up here, unfortunately. He's the infamous Dr. Hamilton Hall, whose book "A Consultation with a Back Doctor" helped squash my appeal with our government in getting surgery here in Ontario.

Among other bits of wisdom, and I quote from his Question and Answer style of FAQ:

"What if one person says quite honestly, "I can't have sex. It hurts too much?"

Dr's Answer: It seems to me if all other aspects of the relationship are in good shape, the appropriate response should be, "Let's try. Even if it hurts, it will sure be worth it."

There are several other gems, but looking through the book raises my blood pressure

This good doctor was on national radio yesterday morning saying that backpacks cause no physical damage to students. That yes, they will probably experience pain, but there will be no long lasting damage from carrying overloaded packs.

He also said that there are no scientific studies to prove this. Your article above argues that point Justin, but is it based on opinion or a true study? I'd love to send something in to the radio station, dispelling his 'expert' opinions.

[Cindylou]

He doesn't really meet the definition of good doctor, does he? I know you were being facetious Katie.....but what a louse of a Dr., yeah?

[Katie]

Yes, and unfortunately he is the 'gold standard' for many other doctors, etc. here. Since he is a public figure, doing these interviews, etc. plus having a book, he is looked upon as a great expert.

He also believes that many, if not most patients who suffer from back pain are in it for the money...disability insurance. If they weren't 'rewarded' for suffering, he believes that many would stop complaining. Niiiice.

[KBear]

"What if one person says quite honestly, "I can't have sex. It hurts too much?"

Dr's Answer: It seems to me if all other aspects of the relationship are in good shape, the appropriate response should be, "Let's try. Even if it hurts, it will sure be worth it."

I call bull sh*t...... He obviously has never been the one with the horrendous pain and I don't care how great sex is, it's not great when every freaking movement hurts.

As far as people doing it for the money, I agree, maybe some do. But I SERIOUSLY doubt ANYONE would go through all the unnecessary procedures and major surgery for money. No amount of money is worth it. I had a couple of smart a$$ remarks about "bet you got a nice settlement for that wreck" My response, if I could go back to that day and you told me you would give me 1 Million dollars to go through what I just went through, or no money and skip it, I would take no money and run. You can not put a price on your life, your livelihood. Makes my blood boil when it's insinuated that any of us are in it for money.

[Hooch]

He also believes that many, if not most patients who suffer from back pain are in it for the money...disability insurance. If they weren't 'rewarded' for suffering, he believes that many would stop complaining. Niiiice.

He's not the only expert opinion who puts the pain down to a psychological source. It's a fallacy (I cannot determine any biological source of pain, so therefor it is psychological), but that's never stopped a bastard from really giving it to someone who is desperate and in pain. I suppose it's just human nature.

If you want a real laugh, read the Sarno books, I burst out laughing quite a few times as I read that. Of course, that is probably my TMS speaking.

Chris.