Going back to school is exciting for kids (and parents). However the increasing amount that students are carrying around can cause serious back pain. A study has shown that the amount the average child carries is the equivalent to an average adult man carrying 39 pounds. Take the following steps to help alleviate and prevent back pain with backpack use:

- Make sure you're always carrying your backpack evenly on both shoulders

- For your child's backpack, make sure it weighs less than 10% of their total body weight

- Adjust the straps so that your backpack never sits more than 4" below your waistline

- Bring your child to come in and see the chiropractor! This can help ease pain caused by backpack use

You can read more from the American Chiropractic Association.