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Heavy Backpacks May Cause Shoulder Blood Clots
11 Sep
Summary
- Carrying heavy bags can compress a vein near the collarbone.
- This can lead to deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremity.
- Look for sudden swelling or discolouration in your arm.
A Maryland-based physician, Dr. Kunal Sood, has raised awareness about a potential, though rare, risk associated with carrying heavy backpacks: the formation of blood clots in the shoulder. He explains that for some individuals, the vein running between the collarbone and the first rib can become compressed due to repeated arm movements, heavy lifting, or pressure from a backpack.
This compression can irritate the vein, potentially leading to a clot, a condition sometimes referred to as effort-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can affect young, healthy individuals. Dr. Sood suggests preventative measures to minimize this risk.
To lower the chances of developing a blood clot, Dr. Sood recommends keeping backpack loads manageable and always using both shoulder straps. It is also advised to ensure the straps are not digging uncomfortably into the shoulders and to remove the pack during extended travel. Paying attention to symptoms such as sudden swelling, heaviness, discolouration, or visibly enlarged veins in one arm is crucial for early detection.
