School is just around the corner. On many parents shopping lists for back to school supplies is a new back pack for their child. Here are some tips from Dr Bonn on proper fit.

Backpack Fitting Tips

If you do purchase a backpack for your child, chiropractor Dr. Stephanie Bonn of Coco Chiropractic has some things to consider to make the best choice for your child for back to school.

– Ensure that your child’s backpack is appropriately sized with the bottom resting in the curve of the lower back and the top just below shoulder level.

– Look for packs with wide, padded shoulder straps as narrow straps can decrease the circulation, causing numbness and tingling in the arms and weakness in the hands.

– Find a backpack with a waist strap to distribute the load properly and maintain balance and stability.

– Make sure that the packed backpack does not exceed 10% of your child’s weight as excess weight will cause rounding of the shoulders and an increase curve in the upper back region as well as neck, shoulder and back pain.

– Be sure your child uses both shoulder straps – by slinging the pack over one shoulder, your child will lean over to counterbalance the uneven weight and curve the spine abnormally which may cause a postural scoliosis.

-Pack the backpack for even distribution with the heaviest contents next to the lower back.

– Consider purchasing a backpack with built in back support or wheels for back to school.