While backpacks are an integral part of every student?s school gear, if not worn correctly they can be a contributor of back problems.

With the new school year approaching, spoke with chiropractor Gregory Bernius, of Bernius Chiropractic Limited, who says students in Bermuda are hauling around heavy, poorly packed backpacks that could be damaging their backs.

And, he adds, with backpacks full of textbooks, notebooks, pens and pencils, he notices that some students don?t have access to lockers at school so they are constantly wearing their heavy, sagging packs on their shoulders.

Since the back is most susceptible to curvature between the ages of eight and 14 years, backpack use needs to be monitored because an abnormal amount of weight on a child?s backs can cause them to hunch over.

?A lot of things we do when we?re young can affect us when we?re older,? says Dr. Bernius. ?Most people think that if it doesn?t hurt now it won?t be a problem until the future.?

One of the most important features of a backpack is the waist strap, which can be found on most high quality bags and will help with support so the weight isn?t directly on your child?s shoulders, he says. Shoulder straps should also be pulled tight so the bag doesn?t hang below the waistline.

Listed below are some helpful tips from the American Chiropractic Association, which Dr. Bernius says, if followed, can help to eliminate future back problems in children.

He also suggests bringing your children into the office where he can check backpacks to see if they are being packed and worn properly.

?Usually it?s just a few minor adjustments that need to be made that will prevent any future back problems,? he says.

Before sending your children off to school this year take a moment to read these important tips:

lMake sure you child?s backpack weighs no more than five to ten percent of his or her body weight. If the pack gets any heavier it will cause your child to bend forward to try and support the weight on his or her back rather than on the shoulders with the aid of the straps. If the backpack is still too heavy consider asking your child?s teacher if it is possible for some of your child?s heavier books to be left at school.

lThe backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when they walk.

l A backpack with individualised compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. When packing the backpack, make sure that pointed or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child?s back. Or buy a pack that has a hard or firm back. An uneven surface rubbing against the back could cause painful blisters.

l Bigger is not necessarily better. Buy the best-designed pack for your child. The more room there is in a backpack the more your child will carry and the heavier it will become.

l Your child should wear both straps. Lugging a pack on one shoulder strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms as well as lower back pain. The straps should also be padded for comfort and adjustable so the backpack doesn?t dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment. An important feature on a backpack is the waist strap. If this is worn the weight of the bag is not resting directly on the shoulders but instead the core of the body -the waist and pelvis -is supporting the pack.

l Consider packs on wheels as a safer way to transport books.