Priority Health Chiropractic and Massage: Back Pack Smarts!

Please come and see us to help fit your child for a proper fit. In the mean time, we found some great tips to help you and your child get ready for school.

The backpack should have wide, padded straps. A waist belt is a good idea also, especially if it’s going to carry a lot of weight (it takes pressure off the neck and shoulders).
Both shoulder straps should be worn to better distribute the weight.
The backpack should have good padding on the area that rests against the back.
A backpack with several compartments can also distribute the load better. Pack the heavier items closer to the back. Pointy and bulky items should not rest against the back (even with padding).
The backpack should be positioned so that it hangs just below the shoulders and rests on the hips and pelvis. If it hangs below this, it will more likely cause strain.
There’s no need to carry absolutely everything one owns in a backpack (unless perhaps if there are no lockers). Frequent trips should be made to the locker to get only the objects that are currently needed. Other items should be placed back in storage. Another option would be to store the entire backpack, with the exception of the necessary items.
There should be different bags for different activities. For example, one should carry a separate bag for athletics^__there’s no use in carrying workout clothing to chemistry class. The separate bag should remain in storage until it needs to be used.
If possible, separate copies of heavy textbooks should be kept at home, so that they don’t have to travel between home and school every day.
Avoid very large backpacks with many compartments. These will only encourage the user to store more items in them^__otherwise, they may look “empty.”
Look into current innovations of backpacks: Saddlebags, backpacks with curved or molded backs and bottoms, inflatable air bags, handles, wheels, and interior rack frames. Take a look at the Posture Pack. Just make sure they fit in the traditional locker.
As parents, try to get involved in making school safer for children. Encourage the school to give students two sets of heavy textbooks, one for home and one for school. If there are no lockers, or if they have been taken away, explain to the school the dangers of carrying heavy backpack.