Back Pains Caused by a Heavy Backpack
Introducing a backpack causes a force to be placed backwards of the body, our body then counters this force by bending forwards at the neck. This happens to help us maintain balance. While doing so stops us from falling over; maintaining such a position in space could often lead to excessive muscle tightness, neck joint pain and cervicogenic headaches. The forwards head position adds additional compression loading due to the increase weight of the head (think of a see-saw).
Some Muscles Work Overtime
The muscles mainly affected when carrying a backpack are Upper Trapezius, Sternocleidomastoid, Mid Cervical Paraspinals. These muscles are activated by a huge degree with backpack usage. While this may be ‘normal’ and non problematic in healthy use of a backpack – the muscles highlighted above may potentially cause pain, dysfunction and headaches when overactive and imbalanced.
For more information by Wayne Sun contact us at Perth Wellness Centre
KIM MH, YI CH, KWON OY, CHO SH, & YOO WG. (2008). Changes in neck muscle electromyography and forward head posture of children when carrying schoolbags. Ergonomics. 51, 890-901.
Related Posts
Are Human Beings Symmetrical?
The current mindset is that we are born symmetrical. Disabilities aside, we all have a pair of hands; legs, ears etc. There are intricacies within the human body that would in fact cause us to be asymmetrical.
0 Comments5 Minutes
Perth Wellness Centre Patient Empowerment
As healthcare professionals, we meet patients with a variety of conditions. This can range from mild to severe on a daily basis. A big part of the job involves educating patients on their health condition as well as treatment options available.
0 Comments3 Minutes