Web-based survey usefulness for studying the influence of school bags and backpacks on back and neck pain in children and adolescents - pilot study in a medium-sized town

Results A total of 380 questionnaires were submitted with no logical errors and highly probable answers from 220 girls (average age 13.4 years old) and 160 boys (average age 13.7 years old). The back and neck pain was mentioned by 49% of adolescents (51% of girls and 46% of boys). Thoracic and lumbar pain was mentioned by 39 girls (10%) and 100 boys (26%). The reported pain occurred intermittently (72.5%), mostly during the day (63%). Some respondents mentioned that pain occurs when they carry their bags on their shoulders (7%) or when they carry their backpacks (19%). Girls more likely carry bags (youth style), and boys prefer backpacks or rucksacks. Girls usually carry bags on the same shoulder. Of the total respondents, 65% were pain-free while being physically active 2-4 hours per week outside of the school physical education program (p<0,01).