For many women, a handbag is not just an accessory, but also a companion that holds all the essentials, whether it is for daily life, work, or even facing unexpected events. Therefore, a handbag is an essential item that cannot be missed.
In the past, handbags were small and designed for limited use. But as women became more involved in society, the demand for handbags increased, resulting in larger and more versatile handbags. However, carrying a heavy bag regularly can have an impact on health.
The American Chiropractic Association states that approximately 80% of the population in the United States will experience back pain at some point in their lives. “Over time, carrying a heavy bag puts pressure on our body,” explains Caleb Back, a health and wellness expert at Maple Holistics. “While carrying a heavy bag can put pressure on our bodies over time, it can lead to severe pain and other chronic issues, such as muscle strain or a pinched nerve.
Is your favorite bag hurting you? If you’re experiencing shoulder, back, butt, arm pain, or numbness in your hands, take a look at your bag habits. They may be the cause of these problems. Let’s find out what causes the problem and how to prevent spinal injuries.
1. The first problem is that your bag is too heavy.
Sure, it’s good to be prepared for the worst, but carrying a heavy bag all the time can take a toll on your hips and shoulders. Carrying a heavy bag for long periods of time can throw off your balance when walking, says Caleb Back. Reducing the weight of your handbag is one of the best ways to take care of your muscles and shoulders. “Just reduce the weight of the bag to a level where you don’t feel fatigue while carrying it,” he says.
2. Your bag doesn’t help you feel less burdened.
“I have had many patients come in with shoulder, neck or mid-back pain,” says Caleb Back. “Almost always, these patients are carrying a large, heavy backpack that is better suited for hiking than everyday use.” Backpacks can help relieve pain because they distribute the weight properly when worn correctly.
If you don’t like using a backpack, he suggests opting for a handbag with sturdy handles and padded shoulder straps to help reduce muscle strain. Also, avoid bags with chains or thin straps, as they can cause shoulder pain. “Your style shouldn’t get in the way of you being productive and comfortable in your daily life.”
3. You carry the same bag too often.
“Humans have a repetitive nature and tend to carry things with the same shoulder,” says Dr. Caleb Spreader, a chiropractor in Oklahoma. When you carry a heavy bag for a long time, your shoulders gradually slump forward and down, which puts strain on the muscles in your upper back and neck. Eventually, this can lead to muscle weakness and more serious problems, such as thoracic outlet syndrome. To prevent this, Dr. Spreader recommends alternating which side you carry your bag on throughout the ufabet https://ufabet999.app day.
4. Don’t wait until it hurts to fix it.
Instead of waiting until pain occurs (which can lead to a more serious injury), Dr. Spreter recommends doing shoulder strengthening exercises using light dumbbells, doing three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions, to increase the strength and endurance of weak upper back, neck, and shoulder muscles.
Don’t forget to stretch your body every day.
Dr. Jonas Eyeford, a chiropractor in Toronto, suggests learning how to correct imbalances caused by carrying a heavy bag by taking a few minutes at the end of the day to check the muscles in your shoulders, neck, back and chest for tightness or soreness, and then stretching them. He suggests using a small massage ball to loosen up muscles and trigger points.
Remember to listen to your body’s signals. If you continue to experience numbness or tingling in your hands and arms, or if your back pain is getting worse, see a professional, such as a chiropractor, orthopedist, or doctor. As Back explains, “Sacrificing your health for fashion is not worth it. No compliment is worth chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain.”