Students carrying heavy backpacks are at risk for serious physical problems, according to a recent study.

A study released by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that approximately 5,000 to 7,000 emergency room visits per year are caused by injuries related to carrying heavy backpacks.

Elen Kim, a representative from Bags USA said that he often receives complaints from parents due to the weight of the backpacks and recommends using a rolling backpack to alleviate the problem.

“There are a lot of reports on the problems kids have carrying heavy backpacks,” Kim said. “A rolling backpack would allow students to not have to put up with the burden of carrying a backpack.”

Lorraine Martinez, a Health Educator at Sacramento State, said she has seen several students who have complained of problems due to carrying a heavy backpack. She said rolling backpacks can cause even more injury.

“It would be better to be pushing something in front of you,” Martinez said. “Using a push cart would allow for better body mechanics than pulling a rolling backpack which leaves the user in a twisted position, putting the strain on one part of the body.”

Sac State student Ramon Velez said he has a rolling backpack, but doesn’t use it, even though he has a history of back problems and has endured two surgeries on his back.

“The rolling backpack I have has a short handle,” Velez said. “When I use it, it makes me twist my body and causes me to put strain on my back.”

Velez said that carrying one of his books causes his backpack to be heavy enough to bother his lower back and shoulders.

“Even carrying one book can cause my backpack to weigh around 40 pounds,” said Velez. “It’s not just books, it’s also binders along with other things that cause it to weigh so much.”

Among the problems Martinez notes with carrying a heavy backpack is soft tissue damage, muscle aches and strains. Martinez said students should look for warning signs including soreness and pain, especially in the back and shoulders.

A study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics noted that students should never carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their own bodyweight.

“Students should leave their books in their cars when they can and get them during breaks to avoid having to load their backpacks with so many books,” Martinez said.

Martinez said that carrying backpacks on one shoulder causes the body to gain compensation for the unbalanced load through poor posture.

“If you have to carry a large load, you should get backpacks that have padded straps,” said Martinez. “Also use a backpack that has a strap that goes around the waist to help alleviate the strain put on the back and shoulders.”