Choose your backpack wisely

You go to school, backpack slung over your shoulders, you throw it in your locker or carry it around the whole day, but never think about it. Can carrying a backpack be bad for you?

If you do not carry it correctly, it can cause some back problems along the way.

[source](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjrtqDA-eDzAhXogFAGHZmbAFkYABAHGgJkZw&sig=AOD64_0rA388sKTRwNywsMUuvoI0rLwbnA&adurl&ctype=5&ved=2ahUKEwiozonA-eDzAhUK2xoKHZu6C04Qvhd6BAgBEF8)

It is better to use a backpack for your school supplies than having a bag you sling over one shoulder or carrying your books in your arms.

The reason for this is that in a backpack the weight is evenly distributed across your back which means the chances for hurting your back can be less. But this is not a 100% guarantee that you will never have any health problems if you use a backpack. If you overload your backpack, it can cause injuries over time.

Your spine is made up of bones called the vertebrae and in between these bones you will find disks that absorbs the shocks and punishment of day to day activities and bending and stretching.

Have you ever put something very heavy on your back?

It pulls you backwards and to stay upright, you have to bend forward and that puts extra stress on your spine. This can cause back and neck and muscle pain.

You can read some more on this on the following link http://www.huffingtonpost.co.za/entry/what-heavy-backpacks-are-doing-to-kids-bodies-\_n\_5700485

How do I know that my backpack is causing a problem?

1. If you are struggling to put your backpack on your back or taking it off you need to know that it is too heavy and you are at risk of causing damage to your back.
2. If you have to lean forward when walking it is also an indication of a backpack that is too heavy.
3. If your back is aching or maybe just on the one side it tells you that the weight of the backpack is not spread evenly and your back and body is trying to compensate for the weight.
4. If you adjust the weight and you still have back pain or any numbness in your limbs, it is maybe time to go and see the doctor.

Read the following tips on how to carry your backpack http://steadystrength.com/4-tips-to-carrying-a-backpack-without-hurting-your-back/

Make sure your backpack is close to your back and not hanging down so that it will spread the weight unevenly.

If you have a lot of books and your backpack is very heavy it can be a better idea to buy a trolley bag. That way you do not have to pick up anything.