Updated: December 29, 2010

By Christa Fletcher

We know you're totally into studying and finishing your reading for class, but are you overloading your backpack? Adding too many books to your bag could cause back pain and distort the natural curves of your spine.

And, if you think carrying your backpack on only one shoulder is cool, trust us, you won't anymore when you find out how it can affect your posture -- stressing your neck, shoulders, lower back and even your ribs to compensate for the unbalanced weight.

Discover the facts and some helpful tips to avoid straining your back. Taking care of yourself is more than bringing home books to study, it's also about protecting your body and keeping your spine in shape.