When University College freshman Jacqueline Watson woke Tuesday morning with neck and back pain, she blamed it on her sleeping position.

But Watson said she discovered her 20-pound backpack was the culprit.

“I thought it was because of how I slept, but as the day went on, I figured out it was how I had my backpack positioned,” said Watson. “My body was so off-balanced when I was walking.”

Tori Rose, certified massage therapist at the Zen Salon, said about a dozen students have come to the salon for massages since classes began to alleviate back pain from heavy bags.

About 85 percent of American university students report backpack-related pain and discomfort, according to

health.com.

Watson said her already heavy backback makes her less likely to bring her books to class.

“I don’t look forward to walking back and forth to my car,” Watson said. “My classes are spread out, and it’s hard to carry around all of my things.”

To prevent discomfort in the shoulders and back, Rose said students should stretch before lugging their backpacks.

She also recommended students clasping their hands behind their backs to stretch their pectoral muscles in the chest.

“Students experiencing neck or back pain attributed to use of a backpack should try preventative measures,” said Nicole Pritchard, OU health services health educator. “[They] may need to consult a health care provider for a consultation if symptoms do not improve.”

The one-strap, shoulder messenger bags are a bigger problem, Pritchard said.

She said students should carry bags that are designed with two straps so the weight is aligned with the center of the back.

“When I carry a messenger bag, it hurts a lot more than when I carry a regular backpack,” said Rebecca Smith, political science senior. “I think that regular bags distribute their weight better and help tension on your shoulders.”

Health.com also states that a loaded backpack should not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of a student’s body weight. A student who weighs 100 pounds should not carry a backpack that weighs more than 15 pounds.

“I try to lessen my load in my backpack because I have to walk so much. I know I should probably go back to my car to switch my books out, but I just don’t do it,” Watson said.

To educate students on how to prevent discomfort from backpacks, the American Occupational Therapy Association created National School Backpack Awareness Day, which was Wednesday.

According to the association’s Web site, the day is meant to promote occupational services in the community.