3 Simple Tips to Avoid Back Pain From Carrying Your Backpack

School’s back in action! While many welcome the familiar routine, pain can happen unexpectedly. This is especially true when lugging around heavy textbooks or laptops to and from school and in between classes.

In many cases, backpacks are designed to prevent back pain. However, wearing these bags incorrectly or packing them incorrectly can lead to aches and pains that gradually get worse as the school year goes on. So, how can we prevent aches and pains from happening?

In this article, your local Tampa chiropractor offers up three major tips to help you or your children have a pain-free school year.

Don’t Pack Them Too Heavy

A major mistake many people make is stuffing their backpacks to the brim. But did you know your child should carry at most only 10-15% of their body weight in their backpacks? This means only carrying the essentials to and from school. Now, this might sound difficult, so here are a few tips to help you do this:

Encourage your child only to take what they need each day and make frequent locker stops to unload and re-sort.
Ask their teachers about online access to textbooks. This can prevent a lot of heavy lifting!
Purchase lightweight notebooks or binders.

Surprisingly, the way you pack your bag also makes a huge difference. The rule of thumb is to pack heavy items in the center of the bag. This ensures even distribution and also won’t take a toll on your or your child’s balance.

Wear The Bag Correctly

This might sound super obvious, but if you see school kids walking with their bags or across any University campus, you’ll see many wearing their backpacks only on one shoulder. This can not only lead to nagging pains in the shoulder but will also have adverse effects on your spine and its alignment.

Alternatively, if this is difficult, you may want to purchase a rolling bag, taking the weight completely off of your back and shoulders. Some backpacks also come with extra straps for additional support. In other words, the type of bag you choose matters here as well!

Adjust The Backpack Appropriately

On top of wearing both straps, you’ll want to also adjust the straps for your individual needs and body. Loose straps can lead to the contents in the bag moving around, as well as cause your muscles to work more than they need to.

So, this is your sign to tighten up those straps! Secure that load effectively to lower your risk of back pain and injury.

Consider Chiropractic Care for Back Pain Prevention & Overall Spinal Health

Gentle chiropractic adjustments can ensure your spine maintains a healthy alignment, preventing pain or injury before it happens. At Tampa Spine and Wellness, our spine doctors are here to help ensure you have a healthy, happy, and pain-free school year. Contact our team and pave your way toward better health and wellness today!