Your Bag and Your Back: 5 Tips to Prevent Pain
By Virginia Laird
Many people find it necessary to carry a bag or a purse daily. Were you aware that carrying a bag can put stress and strain on the spine? There is no reason to begin leaving it at home, but knowledge is power. There are a few tips one can apply to reduce the stress a bag can cause. These tips are chiropractor recommended.
Avoid Carrying a Bag on the Shoulder
The best way to carry a bag or purse is to carry it in one’s hand. Many choose to throw it over the shoulder. However, this action puts stress on the spine. Although the strain may not be noticed immediately, over time it can take its toll on the back.
Keep Your Bag Light
One of the more highly recommended chiropractic tips is to keep the bag (or purse) light. Try not to pack the bag with everything in the house. Heavy bags can cause tension in the back muscles, which can cause headaches. A good practice to keep your purse or bag light is to empty it daily.
Carry Your Bag Cross-Body
Cross-body bags are the best to help fight against back pain. This type of bag helps to more equally distribute the weight being carried. The typical cross-body bag is not extremely large and cannot hold a ridiculous amount of weight.
Use Fanny Packs
Although fanny packs offer no style points, they do offer little stress or strain to the back. It is certain one can keep this item light as they are not large enough to be heavy. Fanny packs are a fantastic alternative for those trying to avoid back pain.
Alternate Which Side You Carry the Bag On
Making it a habit to rotate the sides you carry your bag (or purse) on can be beneficial to your back. Alternating the sides can help keep the back balanced. Research suggests that chiropractic care can help resolve the stress and strain put on the back by bags and purses.
Visit a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in your community to combat the damage your bag may have already caused. With more than 380 locations nationwide, you are certain to find one near you. Visits are simple with no appointment made and no insurance accepted. This allows your care to be at your fingertips.
To learn more about your health and wellness, visit your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Centennial, Colo.