Parents complain that children’s backpacks seem to get heavier every year. Since spinal deformity is frequently seen in the adolescent years, it is natural that families would wonder if backpacks are to be blamed for scoliosis.

Back pain in adolescence is much less common than in adulthood, although far from rare. About one-third of teens admit to having back pain. Several studies have investigated the link between heavy packs and complaints of pain. The results vary; some studies have shown that heavier backpacks are more likely to be associated with back pain in the child, whereas others have shown no linkage.

The most frequent spine problem in children is scoliosis, a side-to-side curvature. This curve is almost always painless. Multiple studies have failed to show any association between scoliosis and backpack use. In fact, this type of spinal deformity appears to be a growth phenomenon, independent of the child’s activity. Exercise, sports, and other activity modifications do not appear to affect the severity of spinal curvature.

Therefore, children with scoliosis need not uniformly avoid backpacks. Children with back pain, however, may be wise to decrease the loads in the pack. Other suggestions for decreasing discomfort include wearing both straps evenly, re-distributing heavy items so that they lie close to the low back, and using wheeled packs.