~~From the desk of Ann Arbor Chiropractor Michael Tannenbaum, D.C.

It used to be that generally children were the only ones using backpacks and they used them to carry school books and school supplies. Maybe if an adult were taking a day hike they would use a back pack. Nowadays more people of all ages use backpacks to carry their everyday belongings. With the increase in backpack use a greater number of people experience  backpack related injuries. Even though chances are  less of getting a muskuloskelatal injury using a back pack then , for example, using a large purse, a side bag or a brief case, if backpacks are not worn/fitted correctly they too can cause  muskuloskelatal system injury.

Listed below are ways to make sure the backpack fits you correctly so that you have a better chance of avoiding backpack related injury’s.

Adjust the backpack so it's close to the body without making the straps so tight they are uncomfortable.

The backpack should be high on your back.

Make sure the straps are adjusted correctly so that the weight of the backpack is evenly distributed over both shoulders.

Heaviest items in the backpack should be placed closest to the body.

Make sure when wearing the backback you wear it over both shoulder and not just on shoulder.

The backpack should not sway from side to side when you walk.

For children the weight of the backpack should not exceed 10-15% of the child's body weight.