5 Tips for Carrying Your Bag to Protect Your Back
By Virginia Laird
Carrying a bag or purse is unavoidable for most individuals. Whether you are a student, a parent, a business person, or just a bag lover, putting the bag down may not be a choice you can manage. Bags can be hard on the spine, as any chiropractor will tell you. More often, the way you carry a bag or purse can put stress and strain on the spine. There are a few things you can try to do to protect your spine from the grueling strain of carrying a bag.
Carry the Bag in Your Hand
Rather than slinging the bag over your shoulder, try carrying the bag in your hand. Avoid resting the bag on your shoulder. Throwing the bag over the shoulder causes the weight to pull on one side of the body. This can shift the spine. This can be painful.
Keep Your Bag Light
Keep your bag (or purse) light. Although this might be easier said than done, it is important to try to keep your loads light. Lighter bags are easier on the spine and shoulders. Heavy loads can cause headaches and pain in the neck. To keep your bag light, it is a good habit to empty your bag daily.
Use Wide Straps
Wide straps allow the load to be spread out more evenly across many muscles. This distribution of weight will help your spine and neck have a lighter burden. Thin straps on heavy bags can cut deeper into your muscles. This can cause issues with blood flow.
Use Fanny Packs
One good option for carrying your things and avoiding the strain of a purse is to use a fanny pack. Though they may not be stylish, a fanny pack certainly will keep the load from attacking your spine. Due to their small size, the weight is kept light.
Change Sides with Your Bag
Bags that hang only on one side cause strain to that side. They also pull on your spine. This can cause the spine to shift to the side you carry the bag on. One way to help prevent this is to change your bag carrying side often. Changing the side you carry your bag on will help to maintain balance in your back. This can help manage pain caused by carrying heavy loads using bags.
These and other tips to protect your spine can be learned at the advice of your chiropractor. With more than 370 locations nationwide, The Joint Chiropractic will be easy to find near you.
To learn more about your health and wellness, visit your local The Joint Chiropractic.