Whether it’s back to school time for your child, or you’re planning a long hike, check out these helpful tips to ensure you know how to safely wear a backpack and promote good posture and spinal health.
Choose Right.
- Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use.
- Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly.
Pack Right.
- The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15% of your body weight, so pack only what is needed.
Lift Right
- Face the pack – Bend at the knees – Use both hands and check the weight of the pack – Lift with the legs – Apply one shoulder strap and then the other.
- Tip: Don’t sling the backpack onto one shoulder.
Wear Right
- Use both shoulder straps – snug, but not too tight.
- Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap – use it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can backpacks cause long-term back problems?
Backpacks themselves can do no damage. Using them improperly can.
My back and neck hurt after wearing my backpack. What should I do?
If you are a child, alert a parent or guardian about your back pain. Pain is a signal to the body that something is wrong. Check the backpack safety steps above to see if you are following them correctly.
I have too many books to carry. What should I do?
Lighten your load by removing unnecessary items. Carry a heavy book or two under your arm, rather than in your pack.
Content provided by the Deaconess Riley Children’s Services www.deaconess.com/riley
Sources: Backpack Safety America