 Here are a few tips from the American Chiropractic Association to help your child avoid back (pack) pain:
• The backpack should be no more than 10% of the child’s bodyweight
• The backpack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline
• Utilizing the individualized compartments helps distribute the weight
• Bigger is not always better! Don’t promote carrying a heavier backpack
• Urge the child to use both shoulder straps
• Wide padded straps are more comfortable and won’t dig into the child’s shoulders
• Talk to your child’s teacher if you find the backpack is frequently too heavy
 When a child is carrying the backpack on only one shoulder (of which many are guilty) it is similar to holding a purse or brief case. The one sided carry causes an imbalance between right and left sides of the body as opposed to the front and back. On the side carrying the bag, the shoulder is usually hiked up to guard against the weight. Hiking the shoulder causes muscular strain in the neck and back and causes the spine to curve toward the shoulder. Due to the curvature in the upper portion of the spine, the lower spine must also curve to counterbalance and keep the body in an upright position. Therefore, the stress of simply a purse can result in both neck and back pain.
Here are more tips from the American Chiropractic Association:
• Select a purse or brief case with a wide adjustable strap long enough to place over the head
• When carrying, switch sides frequently to avoid placing too much weight on one side
• Empty unnecessary items
• Place necessary items in the front pockets to avoid overstretching to reach
 How can chiropractic care help? During an initial examination, the chiropractor is able to collect information such as muscle tone and the alignment of the spine. The chiropractor and patient can discuss possible sources of poor posture, including carrying heavy items. Chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy correct the body’s bad habits. However, a patient must have an active role in treatment by making a conscious effort to avoid provocative activities.
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