Precautions To Ensure Your Handbag Doesn't Cause You Back Pain
Posted on: 14 December 2016
Do you know that carrying a handbag can lead to back pain? Your bag's weight, how you carry it, and how often you carry it can all contribute to poor posture and back pain. In an ideal world, you wouldn't have to carry heavy bags, but that might not be practical in the real world. Still, take the following precautions so that your bag doesn't cause you back pain:
Switch It Up Between Your Elbows
Your bag hurts your back by messing up your posture. If you are keen, you will notice that you tend to lean towards the side carrying the bag. This may not be a serious problem if you do it once, but it becomes a permanent problem if you make it a routine. In fact, you may begin leaning towards the bag-carrying side even while not carrying the bag. Start switching your bag between your left and right shoulders and you will begin to notice a difference in your posture.
Wear It Diagonally
As explained above, carrying a bag hurts your back by interfering with your upright posture. Therefore, you can relieve the discomfort by carrying the bag in such a way that its weight is more centered and doesn't make you lean to one side. A suitable position comes to mind for this: making the straps run diagonally so that the bag is centered on your body. It may look unfashionable for some people, but it's good for your back.
Make a Conscious Effort to Maintain the Correct Posture
As long as your bag isn't too heavy for you to carry, you can carry it and still maintain the correct posture. Make a conscious decision and effort to remain upright (no slouching or leaning). The best way to do this is to distribute your weight evenly on both feet and keep your abs engaged while carrying the bag.
Take a Break From the Weight
Lastly, you will also do yourself a great favor by taking a break from carrying your bag every small chance you get. Don't be one of those people who always have their bags. For example, when chatting with another person, drinking, making a phone call, or anytime you don't have to carry your bag, find a place to hang it or place it.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you prevent back pain caused by your heavy bag. If your change of habits doesn't help, then it might not be your bag or the damage may already be done. Seek medical advice for a professional diagnosis and treatment. Visit a clinic like Beltline Chiropractic to learn more.
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