Schools are in session across the U.S. and more than 79 million backpack-carrying students are settling into new routines — some of which include bringing the same items home each afternoon.

Think the books and school supplies that your child is carrying in a backpack slung haphazardly across one shoulder are harmless? Think again.Heavy loads can cause low back pain that often lasts through adulthood.According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2012 nearly 22,000 strains, sprains, dislocations and fractures from backpacks were treated in hospital emergency rooms, physicians’ offices, and clinics.“A child wearing a backpack incorrectly or that is too heavy can be contributing risk factors for discomfort, fatigue, muscle soreness, and musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lower back,” says Karen Jacobs, clinical professor of occupational therapy at Boston University, and an expert on school ergonomics and healthy growth and development of school-age children.Luckily, preventing discomfort and pain is simple. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers the following tips for keeping kids safe while toting books to and from school:• Always select a backpack that is the correct size for your child.• Make sure the height of the backpack extends from approximately 2 inches below the shoulder blades to waist level, or slightly above the waist.• Always wear well-padded shoulder straps on both shoulders so the weight is evenly balanced.• Distribute weight evenly. Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back and balance materials so the child can easily stand up straight.• Wear the hip belt if the backpack has one, to improve balance and take some strain off sensitive neck and shoulder muscles.• Check that the child’s backpack weighs no more than 10 percent of his or her body weight. If it weighs more, determine what supplies can stay at home or at school each day to lessen the load.• If the backpack is still too heavy for the child, consider a book bag on wheels.AOTA offers strategies for packing and carrying backpacks.In addition, ergonomic strategies for adults when wearing a purse, carrying a briefcase, and carrying a suitcase are also available.Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 213,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. For more information, go to

www.aota.org.