According to health experts everywhere, the incidence of spinal problems is increasing steadily among children. Much of the blame goes to the popularity of backpacks.

According to one research report, which focused on children in the sixth grade, the average load carried each day in a backpack was more than 20 lbs. The maximum daily load averaged 25 lbs., reaching as much as 36 lbs.

That means that the average load was 22% of the child's bodyweight, with the maximum load reaching as much as 46.2% of bodyweight! The recommended maximum is 10-15% of bodyweight.

The extra weight, particularly when not distributed properly, can also increase a student's risk of falls. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, "students who carried packs weighing 25% of their body weight exhibited balance problems while performing normal activities such as climbing stairs or opening doors, in turn upping their risk of falls."

Since the extra weight can cause strain on -- and an imbalance of -- back muscles, subluxations are a common result.

In addition to the excess weight, problems can arise when students wear backpacks improperly. Slung over one shoulder, they can cause the body to lean to one side, compensating for the uneven weight. This can result in vertebral subluxations as well as strained muscles and even scoliosis.

Students who lean forward under the extra weight can put added stress on the lumbar region, while rounding the shoulders because of uncomfortable straps can increase the curvature of the thoracic region. Narrow straps can cut circulation to the arms and hands.

While regular chiropractic adjustments can help correct the subluxations, it's important for D.C.s to educate patients about proper backpack usage and selection.

Working with the chiropractic profession is RakGear, maker of a line of backpacks with an innovative design that has won the WCA's endorsement.

The RakGear design was specifically designed to eliminate many of the problems associated with wearing backpacks.

Its patented "even weight distribution rack system" allows the weight to be distributed more evenly and therefore alleviates the stress put on the spine, back and shoulders. This helps to prevent subluxations as well as muscle strains.

With other backpacks, the contents settle at the bottom, placing concentrated stress on one part of the back. The RakGear pack includes lightweight, durable "shelves" that can accommodate various loads, distributing the weight evenly over the carrying surface.

Their wide, padded and contoured straps increase comfort and help improve carrying posture.

RakGear and the WCA are developing a profession-wide "BackPack Safety Program" that will allow D.C.s to provide educational presentations at local schools and student groups. In addition, doctors can order RakGear backpacks at discount for resale to patients. Details of the program will be announced in future issues of The Chiropractic Journal.