Wear both straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder causes a person to lean to one side to compensate for the uneven weight, curving the spine. Over time, this can cause lower and upper back pain, strained shoulders and neck, and even functional scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Teenage girls are especially susceptible to scoliosis. Make sure the backpack is not too heavy.
Laptop computers are also common features in the college student's backpack.
Even when worn properly with both straps, leaning forward to compensate for this extra weight can affect the natural curve in the lumbar, or lower back, region. Extra weight may cause a rounding of the shoulders and an increased curve in the thoracic, or upper back, region. As a result, the student may experience back, shoulder and neck pain. Pay attention to the type of backpack. Look for backpacks with wide straps.