Some of those textbooks can be pretty big. Just a few of these can place a significant burden on your spine, and this can cause upper back pain, neck pain, and headaches - particularly in smaller framed individuals. Click on the following link for more information from one of our previous newsletters: http://abcwellness-rehab.com/node/64

Backpack Safety Tips:

1). DON’T “SLING.” Young people strain their backs by slingin’ their packs. Carefully slipping your arms through, as if putting your arms through the sleeves of a shirt, is the preferred way.

2). DON’T OVERPACK. Some kids put their whole day’s books in their backpack at one time to avoid going back to their locker. This is a big mistake if you are carrying a load that weighs almost as much as you do!

3). KEEP IT BALANCED. Oftentimes young people wear a backpack over one shoulder or the other. This can create muscle imbalances which, over time, can affect postures in young, developing bodies. As a result kids are more likely to develop shoulder, neck, and/or upper back pain.