Health Watch 10 focuses on joint and muscle safety when using backpacks

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - As more kids are heading back to school, many can't wait to get a new backpack to hold all their school supplies and books.

But with kids needing more for school, those bags can soon get very heavy, putting a large load on your young student's back.

Doctor Roshel of Roshel Chiropractic said a child's backpack shouldn't weigh any more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight.

If a bag is too heavy, it could lead to disc compressions, nerve pinching and muscle spasms.

So what should you look for when getting a new backpack?

"When purchasing your child's backpack, you want to make sure it has a double strap. You like to make sure the straps are wide enough to distribute the weight and padding so it doesn't dig into their shoulders," said Dr. James Roshel with Roshel Chiropractic.

Dr. Roshel also said you need to make sure your child wears his or her backpack the correct way, meaning on their back, using both shoulder straps.

Using one strap can lead to bad posture.

If your child talks constantly about their back hurting and you've corrected some of these backpack problems, you need to talk to your family doctor.