Back To School Tips - Backpacks
Here are some helpful hints on how to be kind on your spine while still looking cool and carrying around all your school books/iPads/laptops! The Chiropractors Association of Australia have his helpful handout to keep with up to date research on how to wear your back pack correctly.
The main points are:
- Your child's backpack should weigh no more than 10% of his/her body weight. If you have a primary school aged child who's bag is heavier than this - you can always carry it to and from school for them! For high school students - encourage them to carry heavy items in their arms rather than in their bags
- Ensure the heavier items are packed closest to their spine and lighter items towards the front of the backpack
- Wear your shoulder straps over BOTH shoulders
- Pretty Obvious - Only pack what you need
If you have any other queries/concerns about whether your child's backpack is adequate, feel free to have one of our Chiropractors check it for you.