Written by Dr. Keegan Johnston, DC ~ Vernon Chiropractor

One back-to-school accessory your child will wear every day: a backpack!

Did you know that heavy backpacks can be a burden on a child’s posture? When a heavy backpack is incorrectly worn on the shoulders, the excessive weight pulls the child backward. In order to compensate, the child will bend forward at the hips or arch their back. When a backpack is worn over just one shoulder, the child compensates by leaning off to one side to offset the excessive weight. These postural distortions associated with improper backpack use can increase the risk of back, neck and shoulder pain.

Prevent the development of poor posture by following the 3 key backpack rules:

1. Do not pack backpacks to more than 10% of your body weight.
2. Pack the heaviest items closer to your spine in the back of the backpack.
3. Wear both shoulder straps.

Add an extra minute to your morning routine to check your child’s backpack and keep them injury-free.