Back to school means back to backpacks. Check out these backpack tips from Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

¢ Check the number of straps. Backpacks with two straps distribute the weight of the bag more evenly, placing less stress on the shoulders.

¢ It is also preferred that a backpack have a strap that goes around the child’s waist to balance the backpack’s weight between the shoulders and hips.

¢ Backpacks with wheels place almost no stress on the back and are preferable to standard backpacks. However, some schools do not permit this type of rolling bag so check before buying one of these.

¢ Wearing a heavy backpack can affect the way you walk. For children, wearing the backpack lower on the back seems to improve walking mechanics and may reduce pain.