HiramBackpacks are a popular item, especially among school-going people. Students can cram books, laptops, phones, drinks, clothing, and water bottles in the pack at once before embarking on a single journey. Most college students carry big backpacks with pockets to avoid return trips to the dorm once they leave. Users hardly realize that wearing a bag incorrectly has its consequences, some of which can be costly. Think about this; over 14000 Americans annually seek medical attention for backpack complications. Let’s not get started on the financial costs.! Whether you carry the bag to the office or the park, your safety should always come first.
Wearing the load incorrectly can result in serious health problems, including lower back pain, spinal problems, poor posture, and shoulder and neck pains.
These are ways through which you can stay safe while using backpacks.
1. Always wear a backpack with two straps.
Wearing two shoulder straps ensures the bag’s weight is distributed evenly over your body and increases your body’s stability.
Make sure the straps are adjusted evenly.
Using a single strap transfers all the weight to one part of the body and can cause pain in the lower back, shoulders, and neck.
2. The backpack should have a waist strap.
Tightening the straps helps hold the bag closer to the back, some of which is essential in maintaining the user’s balance. Chiropractors encourage the use of waist straps.
The waist straps should not be lower than three inches from your waistline.
3. The right size
What size is the right size? One whose height extends from roughly two inches beneath the shoulder blades to just above the waist or at the waist level.
4. Avoid overloading
You should, at all costs, avoid overloading your backpack, especially if you’re going a long distance. It is recommended that you only carry a 15% load of your body weight or less. Frequently going more massive might eventually cause your spinal problems and back pain.
5. Use a backpack with wide, padded straps.
Padded straps help cushion the shoulders from the weight of the load. Wide straps help spread the weight on both shoulders. Thin straps harm the shoulders by digging into the skin.
6. The back should equally be padded and straight.
A backpack with a stiff straight back enhances your back’s natural, straight posture and prevents slouching. The padding provides comfort and additional support.
7. Balance the weight of the contents
Always put lighter items at the top and the heavier ones at the bottom. Doing this will help keep your posture neutral and ensure the weight is kept off your shoulders. Getting a pack with multiple compartments is a plus. The items will not only be distributed but also organized.
8. If you can, get a backpack with wheels.
Packs with wheels are more comfortable to use while moving around and take the strain off your back altogether.
Note: the wheels are bound to collect germs, so it is vital to clean them when you get home. The wheeled pack may also not be suitable for crowded areas such as schools as people may bump into the bag and hurt themselves.
Final Thoughts
The backpack may be an essential item in your daily life operations, but its anti-health impacts should not override its benefits. Always wear one with two padded shoulder straps with a reasonable width. Avoid overloading if you can get one with wheels, the better. Waist straps are also an added advantage.