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August 2, 2007

Albany -- Getting everything together for the new school year isn't just a hassle for parents. The load some kids carry can literally be a pain in the neck and back for them.

Healthcare professionals say children shouldn't carry more than ten percent of there body weight.

Backpacks that weigh more can lead to upper and lower back strain. One way to prevent injury is to make sure straps on school bags are well adjusted.

"One of the things they'll do is leave the straps real loose and that tends to pull them in an extended position," Leesburg Chiropractic, Dr. M. Chad Larson said. "Or if its to heavy of a load, there fighting the load and they're having to pull forward and that is also very hard on the neck and upper back."

Backpacks with wider padded straps are better at preventing injury. Children should also make sure that books are placed upright in book bags.

They should always use both straps when wearing their backpacks. One way to prevent injury is to make sure straps on school bags are well adjusted.