A recent report from the Minnesota Chiropractic Association in the US has identified that rucksacs (they call them backpacs in the US) are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for school kids across the US. With the contents of typical kids school bags getting heavier each year, the report offers good advice on reducing the chance of children getting back strains and other avoidable injuriues from rucksacs:

1. Make sure the rucksac is the right size for the child. The rucksac should never be wider or longer than a child's torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline, otherwise it will increase the weight on the shoulders.

2. Pick rucsacks with two, wide, padded shoulder straps. Straps that are not padded are much less comfortable and result in additional pressure on the neck and shoulders.

3. Use both shoulder straps to avoid neck and lower back pains and poor posture.

4.Pick rucksacs with adjustable straps so that the rucksac can be adjusted to be evenly centrered in the middle of the child's back.

5. Use rucksacs with padded backs to provide increased comfort and protect the back from sharp edges of any contents.

6.Use the compartments and pockets of the rucksac to keep bulky or sharp objects away from the back and to place heaviest items (such as books) closest to the body.

 Full article from the Minneapolis St Paul Star Tribune website.

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