Students often carry heavy backpacks, exposing their young, vulnerable bones, joints and muscles to problems that range from strains to potentially serious injuries.
Dr. Terry Schroeder, a third-generation chiropractor who led the U.S. water polo team to Olympic silver in 1984 and 1988 and who now coaches at Pepperdine University, has developed the Posture Pack in response to a growing number of patients who complain of spinal pain resulting from backpacks.
The Posture Pack includes an ergonomic wrap-around padding system (the padding goes down and wraps under the backpack) that keeps books from resting directly against the back.
Additionally, the extra-wide, extra-padded shoulder straps are 'S' shaped to help disperse weight evenly.
An abdominal/lumbar belt takes the pressure off the neck and shoulder regions.
When worn properly, the pack is supported by the back and abdominal muscles, which are among the strongest muscles in the body.
The backpack comes in large, for those weighing 120 pounds or more; and small, for those under 120 pounds.
Reduced prices are available for CTA members and their students ($40 large, $36 small). Colors are black, blue or green.
For more information, call (805) 377-1522 or visit the Web site [http://www.posturepack.com/].
CTA does not endorse or recommend the products reviewed in this section unless so indicated.