Two studies are highlighting the negative impacts of backpack on children.
Here are five insights:
1. More than 60 percent of adolescents ages six to 19 said using backpacks caused back pain, according to a study published in The Spine Journal.
2. The study's researchers noted the carrying frequency as well as the backpack's position is yielding lower back pain in adolescents.
3. A study published in Spine revealed the backpack's weight also affects the rate of back pain, compressing the lower spine's discs.
4. The Spine study found adolescents' lumbar spines showed changes in MRIs, and kids held between 10 percent and 20 percent of their bodyweight in the backpacks.
5. Dallas-based Texas Back Institute physicians note backpacks should not weigh more than 10 percent to 15 percent of a child's bodyweight. The backpack should also feature even weight distribution.