Ladies, if you are like most of our female patients, you are probably carrying around a handbag or purse that is too heavy for you. The average woman is carrying a purse that weighs the equivalent to two newborns!
By carrying a purse that weighs 10-15 pounds you are at risk for back pain, neck pain, headaches, or shoulder pain—or a combination of all these symptoms! The constant workout that carrying a heavy bag creates can strain your muscles and cause severe pain. You can also throw your body out of alignment trying to compensate for the weight of your bag.
But don’t clear your closet of all your bags just yet. We’ve got some helpful tips to prevent the pain associated with heavy bags:
*The most obvious fix—clean out your purse! I know ladies, easier said than done. Try to get in the habit of cleaning out your purse every night when you get home. This can eliminate clutter from accumulating in your bag and help you drop the extra weight.
*Your purse should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight.
* Choose a bag that has a wide, flat, cushy strap. Avoid round or chain straps that dig into your shoulder.
*Switch the side you carry your bag on.
*Walk with correct posture, keeping your head up and your shoulders back. Slouching and carry a heavy bag can only make things worse.
*Don’t wait to get treatment for your pain!
You can avoid further injury to your muscles by seeing Dr. Schuster or Dr. Barreyro along with one of our talented massage therapists.
