Buying the right backpack for back to school and ensuring it is not overloaded is key in preventing back injury. That’s the advice of the NL Chiropractic Association.

President Dr. Darrell Wade says a backpack, when filled, should not exceed ten per cent of the child’s weight.

There are a number of things to watch for when purchasing a backpack to ensure proper back health for children and teens.

He says the character-type backpacks, while popular, are not always the best ones to buy. He advises parents to move away from the novelty-style backpacks and pick a bag that is appropriate in size.

It shouldn’t extend above the shoulders or drop below the waist. It should have padded shoulder straps, and include a waist strap which helps to distribute the weight to the hips and legs.

Cost doesn’t necessarily determine a good backpack either. Dr. Wade says there are plenty of good quality backpacks that are less expensive than those that simply have a popular character on them.