What do you look for in a good backpack? Cute style? Fun colors? One thing you should consider is how the backpack will affect your children’s or your back. There are a couple guidelines you should follow when picking a good backpack to help support back health.

What to look for in a good backpack

One of the best things you can do is make sure to get a small sized bag. Children usually try to over stuff a backpack and that is where some of the problem of being to heavy is. A bag weighing more that 10% of your body weight will start breaking down your posture and effect the gait so the smaller the better.

Next look at the straps. They should be no less than 3 fingers wide and S-shaped. What that means is the straps should go away from your neck and then come back in towards the chest. This takes some of the weight off of your neck and disperses the weight more evenly. If you can also find a bag with a clip in the front this helps with the strain on the shoulders.

When the backpack is being packed make sure the heaviest items are closer to the body. Bags that have multiple different pockets are the best to help evenly distribute weight and make sure that not too much weight is towards the outside. The closer that the weight is to the back the less pull it has on your shoulders and thus helping keep good posture.

What not to do

Don’t prioritize fashion over function. There are certainly backpacks that look great and feel great, so don’t create musculoskeletal problems by choosing a stylish but uncomfortable day pack. Also, children grow and change, so don’t be wedded to a backpack or, worse, buy a huge backpack for your child to grow into. Parents will always say they want a backpack that lasts for years, but that’s the worst thing you can do.

Finally….

Make sure to keep maintenance adjustment care on anyone carrying a backpack! Making sure that any student doesn’t have a subluxation will help them being efficient at carrying their backpack! Make sure to click HERE to schedule your appointment!

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