Backpack palsy

Backpack palsy (BPP) — or rucksack palsy or rucksack paralysis — is a type of brachial plexus injury associated with carrying a heavy backpack or similar load with excessive compression of the shoulder areas by straps. It is a known hazard for ruckmarching soldiers and for certain outdoor recreationalists (hikers, trekkers, mountaineers, etc) and certain labors (e.g., those carrying sandbags). A particular risk factor is bearing heavy backpack loads without any waist support (i.e., all the weight borne by the shoulders).