Students not ready for school to start could use the argument that it's dangerous to their health, and they may be right.
The return to school means the return of backpacks, and for some students, that leads to back pain.
Carrying backpacks that are too heavy and don't fit properly can cause back and neck pain for months at a time, Kent Bullis, medical director of the Amelia T. Wood Health Center, said.
"It's a common problem, and the number of students who come into the Health Center has been pretty steady [every year]," he said.
Bullis said people normally don't get checked out unless they've been having ongoing pain after trying to treat themselves.
"If they're having pain on a regular basis over several days or weeks, then it's wise for them to come in and get evaluated," he said.
It's hard to say what the potential for long-term effects are, Bullis said.
"I'd be reluctant to say I've seen permanent injuries or pain," he said. "There's no question we see people who develop neck and back pain. It takes a fair amount of time to recover."
Some people recover after a few weeks of physical therapy, but for others it takes several months, he said.
Communication, information, and media graduate student Brianna Pluhar said she's experienced back pain, but not because of backpacks. She uses a hiker's backpack, which supports her back.
"I love my backpack. I had to order it online because they weren't making them anymore," she said. "I don't need another backpack."
Pluhar said she used to carry a lot of books and her laptop during her freshman year of college, but she's carried less over the years.
"My textbooks got smaller as my degree advanced, and I also knew what to carry," she said. "When I was a freshman, I didn't know what I needed to carry around."
Cognitive psychology graduate student Chinmay Aradhye said he uses a shoulder backpack.
"I switched to a shoulder backpack from one of those bags that go only on one shoulder," he said. "Sometimes that was uncomfortable when walking."
Although he carries his textbooks and laptop around campus, he said he's never experienced back problems. He recommends students buy a sturdy backpack that holds and distributes weight properly.
Bullis said the type of backpack students use is important.
"Students should avoid using backpacks that stick out far; they should focus on center of gravity," he said. "I sometimes see backpacks that stick out 16 inches, and that puts pressure on and hurts the spinal cord."
Students should also exercise regularly, Bullis said.
"The biggest thing is to stay in good condition and build good core strength," he said. "Students should carry their backpacks closer to their body, and of course, don't carry things that are unnecessary."
Sharon Hernandez contributed to this story.
Tips from the National Safety Council
Warning signs a backpack is too heavy
- Change in posture when wearing the backpack
- Struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack
- Pain when wearing the backpack
- Tingling or numbness
- Red marks
Tips for safe backpack use
- Wear both straps
- Wear the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles
- Lighten the load
- Use proper lifting techniques
Tips for selecting a backpack
- Choose ergonomically designed features for safety and comfort
- Find one with a padded back to reduce pressure
- A backpack with hip and chest belts can be used to transfer some of the weight
- Get one with multiple compartments to better distribute weight
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