Physiotherapy: Children carrying schoolbags "the weight of a heavy suitcase" has resulted in a rise in the incidence of back pain among teenagers, according to the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Back and neck pain is now a common complaint among teenagers and some schoolchildren carry bags weighing as much as 20kg, according to the society.
The most recent international physiotherapy study found that half of 14 to 16 year-olds reported that they suffered from back pain.
Poor posture, slumped sitting, heavy schoolbags, inactivity, poor back muscle endurance and anxiety are all features of low back pain in adolescents.
To tackle this problem, the society will tomorrow begin an awareness campaign in schools to highlight the importance of proper posture.
Move 4 Health Day will see more than 350 chartered physiotherapists visit primary and post-primary schools across the State to educate students on the importance of maintaining a healthy back. The society has contacted and hopes to work with the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), which represents primary school teachers, on ways to help improve young people's posture in the future.
Ruth Magee, chartered physiotherapist with the society, said the initiative was as much about educating children as getting through to the educators in schools. "Each school individually has to take responsibility. Small things, like providing more locker space so kids don't have to carry around books for the whole day, can make a difference. In Sweden, publishers have agreed to bring out a series of modules rather than one big book to make life easier for students. It has worked well and would be welcomed here," she said.
Visiting physiotherapists will also give schools an information brochure with advice on posture and back care. Tips such as taking an hour's exercise each day, not sitting for any longer than an hour without taking a break and wearing both straps of your schoolbag on both shoulders are outlined.
Schoolchildren are also encouraged to take part in activities that promote good posture such as pilates, yoga, gymnastics, ballet, dance, karate, t'ai chi, swimming and cycling. "It's about encouraging children to stay active and it also helps fight obesity," Ms Magee said.
Irish physiotherapists regularly treat young people suffering from severe back and neck pain and unless these problems are tackled at a young age, they will continue and worsen in adulthood, according to Ms Magee.
Surprisingly, some schools contacted by the society turned down the offer of a physiotherapist visiting the school for a free educational talk othe importance of maintaining a healthy back, she added.
Irish culture has become "more sedentary" and young people's lifestyles are now less active, which is something that must also be tackled, said Esther-Mary D'Arcy, president of the society. "We need to educate children to look after their backs and help prevent a lifetime of debilitating chronic low back pain. Taking exercise does not just benefit our physical health; exercise also promotes mental agility, self-esteem, confidence and overall quality of life," she said.