Shawn Colwell, a sophomore at Anderson High School, carries a pack that would be crippling to most - crammed with books, papers and personal items. I think it's fine as long as your back is strong enough to take it. Luna also advised, that if you do carry the pack across one shoulder, shift the pack from one shoulder to another periodically. This ensures the back will remain aligned. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, a misaligned back can cause such symptoms as upper and lower back problems, headaches, tingling in the arms and fingers, aching knees, pinched nerves and strained necks.
Kids are a little more resilient.
The chances for permanent damage are very small but it could happen if the pack is worn through college and the student has poor posture.