The season of back-to-school shopping is upon us once again, and apart from all the new pens, notebooks and various gotta-have-it-or-I'll-be-uncool-for-the-rest-of-my-life items on your child's list, there is one crowning jewel: a new backpack.

But choosing the right back-to-school bag isn't just about looks. The wrong backpack—or even the way they carry it—can actually end up causing your child back pain and impact the curve of his or her spine.

“Poorly designed or overloaded backpacks can really cause pain, and can contribute to chronic back, neck and shoulder problems,” said Ontario Chiropractic Association President Dr. David Brunarski, in a news release. “Because of this, wearing and packing a backpack properly is especially important for children, whose spines are still growing.”

With this in mind, the Ontario Chiropractic Association has developed an education program for parents and students called "Pack it Light, Wear it Right," which offers tips on shopping for, packing and carrying a backpack. They also offer tips "on-the-go" for adults who frequently carry heavy purses and laptop bags.

What do you look for when shopping for a backpack with your child?

Related:
• What the shape of your spine says about you
• A new way to stretch out back pain
• 15 healthy back-to-school lunch ideas