2020
What to Know About Backpacks and Back Pain
Anyone who has worn a backpack knows that they can become quite heavy – and uncomfortable. Especially when filled with school supplies, books, and more – the total weight of a filled backpack adds up quickly. Recently, researchers have been looking into the harm that carrying around a backpack all day can do to someone’s back health.
How Backpacks Can Be Bad for Back Health
A heavy backpack pulls downwards on the bones, ligaments, and muscles – creating stress in places the back was not meant to carry weight. The additional weight can also contribute to misalignments of the spine, leading to aches and pains in the neck, back, and shoulder – as well as other negative side effects such as fatigue and headaches.
How to Properly Use a Backpack
Ensuring proper use of a backpack will be the most efficient way of keeping the back pain free, especially for a student who carries books and heavy items around frequently.
For best results:
- Fit the backpack snugly over both shoulders;
- Make sure the backpack does not hang low on the back; and
- Limit the amount of weight in the bag (a backpack should not weigh more than 10 percent of the bodyweight of the person carrying it).
How to Deal with Back Pain Resulting from Incorrect Backpack Use
If you believe your back pain is caused by incorrect backpack use, first you should use the above notes to fix the way you are using your bag. A qualified chiropractor can help you work through any current back issues you are having from incorrectly using a backpack.
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