Many students in Ohio, elementary age through college age, carry backpacks full off of school supplies. This is a very convenient way to carry around your school stuff, however, when backpacks are too heavy or worn incorrectly they can  lead to chronic back pain.

Improper backpack use can put your back at a higher risk for injuries to the musculoskeletal system, the system of muscles and bones that work together to help you move. Learning how to wear you backpack properly can help reduce backache from wearing a backpack.

Wearing your backpack off one shoulder, how ever cool that may make your child look, is one of the ways that you can put your back at a higher risk for injuries since it puts you off balance. By simply wearing both straps you can balance your load evenly and potentially reduce your risk of backache or other injuries.

So what can be done to help?

1. You should load heavy items first positioning them so that they rest against the center of your back between your shoulder blades

2. Wear your backpack in middle of your back, and not letting your backpack extend below your lower back.

3. Lighten your load. When a backpack is too heavy, your back muscles and tissues can be exposed to a higher risk of injury and backache.  The weight in your backpack should not exceed 15 percent of your body weight. Thus a typical second grader could reasonably carry about 7 and 1/2 pounds without exceeding this limit.

If you are suffering from back pain  or are concerned about the health of your child's spine your local Stow chiropractor may be able to help.

Give the Besso Clinic of Chiropractic a call at 330-845-5910.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with the Besso clinic call 330-845-5910 or just click the button below.

if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.