Chiropractors have pointed out the problems with overloaded backpacks used by children for many years now. As a result of this profession’s efforts, this growing problem has received a lot of attention from parents, school administrators and the media.

More than 21,000 backpack-related injuries are treated annually with injuries ranging from contusions to sprains and strains of the back and shoulder. Warning signs that a school bag is too heavy include:
1. Change in posture when wearing the backpack
2. Struggling to put on or take off the backpack
3. Pain when wearing the backpack
4. Tingling or numbness and red marks

We agree with the National Safety Council suggestion that your child wear both straps; wear the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles; lighten the load; and use proper lifting techniques.

In addition to regular and appropriate chiropractic care for your child, we also advise you to choose the

following when buying a backpack:
1. Ergonomically designed features that enhance safety and comfort
2. A padded back to enhance comfort and reduce back, shoulders and under arm regions pressure
3. Hip and chest belts help transfer some of the weight from the back/shoulders to hips/torso
4. Multiple compartments to better distribute the weight in the backpack, keep items secure, and ease access to the contents
5. Compression straps on the sides or bottom of the backpack to stabilize the articles and compress the contents so that the items are as close to the back as possible
6. Reflective material to enhance visibility of the child to drivers at night