Backpack Safety Quiz

How to Wear Your Backpack for a Healthy Back
Backpacks continue to grow in popularity for hiking, camping, school, work and traveling. Knowing how to wear and load your backpack can help you and your children avoid back pain and injury. The majority of injuries related to backpacks involve children lugging overloaded backpacks to and from school; adults have their fair share of aches and pains, too.

Take this fun quiz to see how much you know and learn helpful tips for wearing and loading a backpack.

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Symptoms of Low Back Pain

1. What is the maximum weight you should carry in your backpack?

A. No more than 5 to 10 percent of your body weight.

2. What part of the body should support the weight of your backpack?

A. Your shoulders by the straps.

3. When a backpack is too heavy the weight will cause you to begin bending forward in an attempt to support the weight on what part of your body?

A. Your back rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.

4. A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively to protect what?

A. To ensure that a heavy textbook or laptop doesn't flatten your sandwich.

5. To avoid rubbing or blisters where should pointy or bulky objects be packed?

A. Pack them away from the area that will rest on your back. An uneven surface rubbing against your back could cause painful blisters.

6. True or False: It doesn't matter whether you use one or both straps when wearing your backpack.

A. False. Always use both shoulder straps. A backpack slung over one shoulder disproportionately shifts all of the weight to one side can cause neck and muscle spasms, and low back pain.

7. True or False: Padded shoulder straps are important. They are more comfortable than non-padded straps and prevent the straps from digging into your shoulders.

A. True.

8. When adjusting the shoulder straps how should the backpack fit your body?

A. The backpack should fit so the bulk of the weight is transferred from the shoulders to the hips and lower back. Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably, and cause misalignment and pain.

9. Who should you talk with if your child's books and supplies exceed weight they can safely carry?

A. Talk with your child's teacher. It might be possible to leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or work books.

Congratulations! We hope you've learned a few tips for yourself and your children. Be sure to talk to your child about the proper use of backpacks and help him or her understand why this and other ergonomic issues are important. A child who is educated early in life on these issues can apply this knowledge later in life and as a result, your child will be happier and healthier.

If you're still not quite sure how to fit a backpack or would just like an expert opinion, hands-on help is available through Pearson Chiropractic. Bring your backpack in to get a FREE fitting during your next adjustment. Schedule an appointment.

Nearly 5,000 emergency visits each year are the result of preventable injuries related to backpacks.