KEY POINTS:
A school bag slung over one shoulder may help students perfect a cool look, but the effect on the spine can be catastrophic, physiotherapists warn.
As thousands of kids load up their school bags and return to class this week, experts have urged parents to beware of possible causes of back injury.
Professor Gregory Kolt, a physiotherapist and health psychologist at the University of Western Sydney, said a poorly fitted backpack or heavy load can quickly cause muscle fatigue.
"A key to preventing back injury is remembering humans are designed to be symmetrical," Prof Kolt said.
"Carrying a load unevenly in bag slung over one shoulder or a poorly fitted backpack throws out this balance, places strain on muscles and can cause serious damage which can continue into adulthood."
He said it was important that the backpack was the right size for the wearer, holds the load "snug against the back", with a semi-rigid bottom panel, padded shoulder straps and panels against the back.
"A poorly designed backpack forces muscles into an unnatural, asymmetrical, position to support the load," Prof Kolt said.
"This causes some muscles to stretch and some to tighten to compensate, leading to muscle spasm and pain."
The longer muscles are kept in unnatural positions, the harder it is to restore balance and repair the damage," the expert warned.
He urged students to wear backpacks properly all the time, even on short walks, and not to overstuff the bag with textbooks at the beginning of a new school year.
"Parents should regularly check the weight of their child's bag and talk to teachers if they believe too many books are being carried to and from school," Prof Kolt said.
- AAP
