Recent computer simulation done by the doctors at the New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Center looked at the actual force a backpack put on the spine.
They found that every 1 pound in a backpack equaled 7 pounds of force on a straight spine.
For someone who is slumped forward, each pound is equal to almost 12 pounds of force on the spine.
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So your teen who’s carrying a 5 pound backpack is actually carrying about 35 pounds on their back.
To avoid the wear and tear on your joints and muscles, here are some easy things to do instead:
- Pack only what you need
- Use e-books
- Wear both straps of the backpack
- Proper posture is key: ears above your shoulder, shoulders back
- Remember that 1 book = 7 books on your spine
