Chiropractor warns heavy book bags may be hazardous to student health
Michael Bury REPORTER
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News
A survey of 50 students showed that students carry book bags that weigh anywhere from five to 30 pounds.
Dr. Jim Krumpak, a chiropractor from Youngstown, said heavy book bags could lead to disc injury, bone spurs, thinning of discs and nerve irritation. Krumpak said book bags should be about 15 percent of a person's body weight.
"Heavy book bags can certainly affect young adults. Most studies have focused on high school students, but they can also apply to college students," Krumpak said.
Some students at Youngstown State University said they weren't concerned with the weight of their bags.
Sophomore Matthew Edighoffer said he brings all of his books to school every day, but that the weight doesn't bother him.
"I'm a pretty strong guy," Edighoffer said.
Edighoffer added that he could understand why people that are small might have problems with them.
Others said heavy book bags do give them trouble.
Senior Bridget Gauntner said book bags cause her back to hurt. She said due to her major she has to bring a lot of books to campus every day for her classes.
"I have to carry a lot of books around and there's nothing I can do about it," Gauntner said.
Gauntner said she wished that the university administration would offer more lockers around campus for students to use, and that she thinks they should be free.
Some students make efforts to reduce the number of books they have to carry around campus.
Sophomore Richard Warren said he sometimes keeps some of his books in his car until right before he needs them for class.
"When I'm on campus I keep them in a locker at the Rec," Warren added.
"It would be nice if YSU would provide books electronically so that I could read them on my laptop or phone," said senior Craig Butrick.
Sophomore Christina Cioppa said she is frustrated when professors have students buy books that they don't actually need.
"Maybe they could be more honest about buying books, like whether you can actually pass the class without buying the book," said Cioppa.
Krumpak offered some suggestions for students to ease the pain of heavy book bags. He said people should use book bags with two padded shoulder straps. He said the straps should be adjustable to help the carrier find the most comfortable position. Krumpak also said messenger style book bags are all right, but that the 15 percent weight to body ratio still applies. He also suggested switching shoulders regularly to even out the weight distribution.
Krumpak also said if people find book bags to be much of a strain on their backs they should consider using a book bag with a handle and wheels.
Dr. Jim Krumpak, a chiropractor from Youngstown, said heavy book bags could lead to disc injury, bone spurs, thinning of discs and nerve irritation. Krumpak said book bags should be about 15 percent of a person's body weight.
"Heavy book bags can certainly affect young adults. Most studies have focused on high school students, but they can also apply to college students," Krumpak said.
Some students at Youngstown State University said they weren't concerned with the weight of their bags.
Sophomore Matthew Edighoffer said he brings all of his books to school every day, but that the weight doesn't bother him.
"I'm a pretty strong guy," Edighoffer said.
Edighoffer added that he could understand why people that are small might have problems with them.
Others said heavy book bags do give them trouble.
Senior Bridget Gauntner said book bags cause her back to hurt. She said due to her major she has to bring a lot of books to campus every day for her classes.
"I have to carry a lot of books around and there's nothing I can do about it," Gauntner said.
Gauntner said she wished that the university administration would offer more lockers around campus for students to use, and that she thinks they should be free.
Some students make efforts to reduce the number of books they have to carry around campus.
Sophomore Richard Warren said he sometimes keeps some of his books in his car until right before he needs them for class.
"When I'm on campus I keep them in a locker at the Rec," Warren added.
"It would be nice if YSU would provide books electronically so that I could read them on my laptop or phone," said senior Craig Butrick.
Sophomore Christina Cioppa said she is frustrated when professors have students buy books that they don't actually need.
"Maybe they could be more honest about buying books, like whether you can actually pass the class without buying the book," said Cioppa.
Krumpak offered some suggestions for students to ease the pain of heavy book bags. He said people should use book bags with two padded shoulder straps. He said the straps should be adjustable to help the carrier find the most comfortable position. Krumpak also said messenger style book bags are all right, but that the 15 percent weight to body ratio still applies. He also suggested switching shoulders regularly to even out the weight distribution.
Krumpak also said if people find book bags to be much of a strain on their backs they should consider using a book bag with a handle and wheels.
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