Dr. Michael Wilson sees many patients with preventable back issues. One of the most common ways to hurt your back is putting too much pressure on it when lifting too much. If you use a backpack in Fairfield, CA, Dr. Wilson wants you to understand how to properly wear it to avoid chronic pain and pressure on the back.

Ways to Wear a Backpack

Some people may use their backpacks with only one strap on one shoulder. You should evenly distribute the weight by using both shoulder straps. Otherwise, you will create imbalances and strain on one side of your body. You also want to ensure the bag fits properly. Adjust the straps as much as you need, so the bag sits higher on your back. You don't want the straps too tight, but they should be snug enough to secure the backpack when moving. In other words, the backpack should not be swinging from side to side or hanging behind your lumbar region.

Today's backpacks also come with more protective features, such as waist and chest straps. Take advantage of the straps as they help distribute weight away from the back and towards the hips and shoulders. The straps also stabilize the bag to prevent it from moving around. When packing it, be mindful of where the heaviest items are. Place the heavier ones closest to your spine so it's near your center of gravity. The further away from the spine the heavier item sits, the more it will pull you down.

Why Proper Back Use Matters

Dr. Wilson wants you to wear your backpack in Fairfield, CA, properly. Doing so can help prevent lingering pain and discomfort. If you wear a backpack for work, school, or travel, repetitive improper use can hurt your back and create lingering effects over time. You can experience lower back pain, neck pain, and even headaches. After all, a spinal injury isn't something that always happens instantaneously. Applied pressure on your back can move spinal discs and strain the muscles over time. Misalignment can lead to sciatica, a condition in which bulging discs compress the sciatic nerve.

When you visit Kosak Chiropractic, Dr. Wilson can demonstrate how to use a backpack in Fairfield, CA. Carrying a load on your back is something you should do with care. Not doing so can create spinal problems that could have been avoided. To learn more and schedule preventative chiropractic care, call our office at 707- 426-1111.