Backpacks weighty issue for pupils

Schoolchildren are being crushed beneath the weight of their backpacks, chiropractors say.

The NZ Chiropractors Association (NZCA) has spoken out against the classic money-saving technique of buying new entrants one bag to last through to university, following a US study which showed how serious the damage to children can be.

"Two key spinal measurements change as the backpack load increases," NZCA spokesman Simon Kelly said.

"Heavier weights cause compression of the intervertebral discs, which act as a cushion between the vertebrae [bones of the spine]. In the lower spine, the disc height became smaller [reflecting greater disc compression] at heavier backpack weights.

"Heavier loads were also associated with increased curvature of the lower spine, either to the right or the left."

Bags should be no more than 10 per cent of a child's weight.

Dr Kelly said parents needed to take responsibility for preserving their children's spines.

- NZPA