As Seen On ABC7 News: Backpack Tips To Keep Your Spine Healthy

It’s the back-to-school season and many parents find themselves asking – is the weight of my kid’s backpack impacting their health?

Spine Surgeon, Dr. Ehsan Jazini shares his top backpack safety tips with ABC7 News.

“A good rule of thumb is for the backpack not to exceed 10-15% of the child’s weight,” says Dr. Jazini. “When you exceed that threshold, kids can start to experience stiff necks, sore shoulders, and aching backs.”

Dr. Jazini advises against overloaded backpacks because children’s bodies are still developing and there is a real impact on their muscles, joints, and even posture.

Watch his segment to learn all of his top backpack tips.

And to calculate the maximum amount of weight of your child’s backpack: Child’s weight x .15 = max backpack weight

For example, a …

50 lb child should carry a max of 7.5 lbs.

75 lb. child should carry a max of 11.25 lbs.

125 lb. child should carry a max of 18.75 lbs.