Backpacks, when worn properly, are the best way to carry things especially for long periods of time much better than a briefcase or a shoulder bag. But improper backpack use can also present some real dangers, especially to young, still-growing joints and muscles. Here are some rules of thumb to follow. 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.
Teenage girls are especially susceptible to scoliosis.
Make sure the backpack is not too heavy. The APTA recommends one should carry no more than 15 percent of one's body weight in a backpack. Students of all ages seem to be carrying heavier loads, often toting a full day's worth of textbooks and a change of clothing for after-school athletics or extracurricular activities. Laptop computers are also common features in the college student's backpack. As a result, the student may experience back, shoulder and neck pain.