Study reveals the dangers of heavy backpacks - KCBD NewsChannel
11 Lubbock   Study reveals the dangers of heavy backpacks   By
Kristin Beerman | email  Edited by Jon Bush | email   LUBBOCK,
TX (KCBD) – Now the evidence is even stronger that backpacks
loaded with books could mean serious back problems for kids.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego used an
upright MRI scanner to look at the effects of heavy backpacks on
kids who were just 11-years-old. When kids put on backpacks that
were about 20% to 30% of their body weight, they could see it
caused a compression of their spinal discs, and curving of the
lower spine.  Researchers say even if kids carry backpacks that
are 10% to 22% of their body weight, over time the added weight
could lead to significant back pain.