Back problems are sometimes attributed to the heavy loads of books that students are required to carry day in and out.
These problems are more prevalent today than
ever before, but paying attention to details can save students from enduring such pains.
When students experience back pain, they often don’t attribute the cause to daily activities or to the disproportionate amounts of weight that is being carried.
The effects on the body can cause chronic pain to the neck, back and shoulders area, which becomes strenuous on the body, said Dr. Eglida Terenzi, a medical director at
University of South Florida’s Student Health Services.
Students are often bombarded with all types of media. They are required to carry laptops, books and other miscellaneous things that add to the student’s load.
Lindsay Stiles, 21, a student majoring in English literature, said that her backpack consists of a laptop, workout clothes, two to four novels, five bottles of water, and a smart phone.
“My pain usually occurs in my shoulders while my backpack is on. Teachers have become more lenient on bringing laptops to class, so I usually purchase e-books online to lighten my load,” said Stiles.
Doctors recommend backpacks as an alternative to help distribute the weight evenly on both sides of the shoulders.
The rolling backpack with wheels is a better alternative than
traditional backpacks. The one strap backpack should be avoided.
Repetitive stress injury is also a major contributing factor. Students should readjust improper body movements throughout the day. This will help prevent injury said Terenzi.
“The ergonomics of your workspace is very important because you’re repetitively doing things over and over again,” said Terenzi.
Maintaining proper posture and placing cushions under wrists while typing on a keyboard can help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Exercise is also important especially when emphasizing strength training on the back and the core muscles of the body.
When exercising, also consider exercising opposing muscle
groups and eat a sensible diet. Stretching out the muscles will help keep the body in balance.
Placing books to the side while waiting around will help alleviate some of the pain.
Students should also distribute the weight of there books evenly to prevent future problems.
The affects do vary from person to person. It depends on a person’s weight, age, and muscular strength.On average, the recommended amount of weight that can be handled is
about 10 to 20 pounds, said Terenzi.
If students repeatedly carry the same amount of heavy textbooks on a daily basis, it will put strain on the muscles of the upper back, neck and shoulders.
Consequently, every time you stretch out the muscles repetitively, whether by pulling or carrying books, little fibers snatch and tear said Terenzi.
Tears, micro irritations and inflammations in muscles fibers will take its toll and worsen over time.
The little stresses eventually lead to big stresses on the body causing chronic pain in the back, neck and shoulder region.
Ultimately, these detrimental behaviors can cause more problems in time if preventative measures are not taking.
By Arefa Ahmad
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