If you're like most parents, a new backpack was on your child's back to school shopping list. Although these bags have become as common as pencils and chalkboards in schools across the country, according to chiropractors, you may want to think twice before putting your youngster on the bus with this school yard 'staple'.
New research reveals an alarming danger associated with childhood backpack use.
This research stems from the increasing number of reports of childhood back pain in recent decades. And new research indicates that this increase may be due, in part, to the improper use of backpacks. The old adage 'as the twig is bent, so grows the tree' comes to mind. We are seeing a growing concern about the improper use of backpacks and the relatively scarce amount of educational and preventive information available to young people. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 4,928 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to book bags and back carriers.