Heavy Bag? Tips to Reduce Back Pain
By Sara Butler
Most people carry around a bag to make sure they have all they need during the day. It could be a purse or a briefcase, even a backpack. You must have what you need but carrying around too much can lead to big problems with your back. Here are a few chiropractic tips to help you reduce your load and keep your back healthy.
Find Balance
How heavy is your bag? Your bag should never be more than 10 percent of your body weight. If it's heavier than that, then it can make you more susceptible to pain and injury due to creating imbalances that can lead to joint dysfunctions. Keep your bag under 10 percent and you'll be more comfortable carrying it around, too.
Buy a Wheeled Bag
If you have no choice but to carry a lot of things around each day for work or school, then you may want to invest in a wheeled bag. The chiropractors at The Joint are fans of the wheeled bag because they help to take the stress and strain off your spine as you carry your wares around. The only thing to be aware of with a wheeled bag is that you should make sure to often switch up the side you carry the bag with. That can help even the load as you pull it behind you.
Look at Your Shoes
If your footwear isn't offering you proper support, then it can have a huge impact on your spine. Shoes such as high heels throw off your body's center of gravity while flat shoes such as flip-flops don't offer the support to your foot's arch that is needed. Poor footwear choices can be the cause of a lot of back and even neck problems, so take a look at your shoes if you notice that you're having issues with back pain. They might be your culprit!
Clean Your Bag Out Regularly
Things tend to collect in your everyday bag if you don't take the time to clean it out regularly. So take that time! Each night you should go through your bag and take out things you know you don't need the next day. And take all that extra change and put it in a piggy bank -- save up for that vacation you've been meaning to take.
If you're worried about your bag and how it may be impacting the health of your back, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fairfax, Va.