There's no doubt that chiropractors have taken the lead in promoting drug-free health care for children. From adjusting newborns to educating teens to "just saying no" to drugs (including unnecessary prescription pills), chiropractors offer one of the only viable options to the medical model.

In recent years, they've also been at the forefront of the effort to warn students and parents about the dangers of some backpacks.

Now, the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) has taken another giant step in the campaign to help prevent spinal problems in children by endorsing a product engineered specifically to alleviate the physical stress caused by many backpacks.

"We are proud to announce our endorsement for RAKgear backpacks," stated Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president. "The World Chiropractic Alliance recognizes RAKgear as a healthy alternative to traditional backpacks currently on the market."

The decision to endorse the product was made by the WCA Board of Directors.

A major problem with backpacks is that they fail to distribute weight evenly. Although recommendations call for youngsters to carry no more than 15% of their body weight in a backpack, a study presented at the American Physical Therapy Association conference noted that one-third of the students surveyed say they've suffered back pain. More than half (55%) of fifth-through-eighth-grade students carry backpacks that exceed the 15% recommendation.

Often, problems also arise when students wear the backpack improperly. Slung over one shoulder, it causes the person to tend to lean to one side, compensating for the uneven weight. This can cause vertebral subluxations as well as strained muscles and even scoliosis.

Incorrect posture while wearing backpacks can also lead to serious spinal misalignments. Students who lean forward under the extra weight can put added stress on the lumbar region, while rounding the shoulders because of uncomfortable straps can increase the curvature of the thoracic region. Narrow straps can cut circulation to the arms and hands.

"We've found that the design of the RAKgear backpack eliminates many of these problems," Dr. Rondberg noted.

The RAKgear's patented "even weight distribution rack system" allows the weight to be distributed more evenly and therefore alleviates the stress put on the spine, back and shoulders. This helps to prevent subluxations as well as muscle strains.

With other backpacks, the contents settle at the bottom, placing concentrated stress on one part of the back. The RAKgear pack includes lightweight, durable "shelves" that can accommodate various loads, distributing the weight evenly over the carrying surface.

Their wide, padded and contoured straps increase comfort and help improve carrying posture.

Because they are thought of as "spinal experts," chiropractors are in the perfect position to lead the effort to prevent spinal problems in children caused by backpacks.

"This association with RAKgear will provide doctors of chiropractic with a valuable resource for helping patients and children throughout their community," Rondberg explained. "Doctors can use these backpacks to educate young people about proper backpack use, as well as the dangers of subluxations caused by physical stress."

The endorsement contract will also help provide needed funds for WCA efforts in other areas, including public relations, political action, and subluxation research. The RAKgear manufacturer, Targus, Inc., is dedicated to helping safeguard the health and wellness of children everywhere and has committed an annual stipend for chiropractic research and education.

The endorsement agreement calls for all RAKgear backpacks sold throughout the world to carry the logo of the World Chiropractic Alliance, as well as the following statement:

Any design changes, including raw material components, must be approved by the WCA before being placed on the market with its logo.