Poorly designed and wrongly used backpacks are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents.

Healthcentered.com recommends that parents should keep a close eye on backpack contents and weight and on the way children and youths carry their backpack.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, a backpack, should weigh no more than 10% of their body weight. to avoid back injuries. This means that an 90 pound youth should carry only 8 to 10 pounds, whilst many children carry packs that weigh more than double that.

The ACA also recommends distributing a backpack’s weight evenly on the back by making sure it is packed evenly and both straps are used.

For more information on backpacks, back safety and chiropractic care find your local Chiropractic at Healthcentered.com BackPack Safety.

Healthcentered.com is an online directory for American Chiropractors and Chiropractic health issues.