7 Healthcast: Backpack Strain

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego used an upright M-R-I scanner to look at the effects of heavy backpacks on 11-year-old children.

When kids put on backpacks that were about 20- to 30-percent of their body weight, it caused compression of their spinal discs, and curving of the lower spine.

Researchers say kids typically carry backpacks that are 10- to 22-percent of their body weight.

over time, this added weight could lead to significant back pain.

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