Large handbags, purses cause back pain

Monday, March 05, 2007 by: David Gutierrez, staff writer
Tags: back pain, handbags, purses

(NewsTarget) Strain to the body from carrying bags that are too heavy may lead to health complications including muscle spasms; pain in the back, neck or joints; sprains or strains; and even headaches. Health professionals recommend carrying lighter loads and using backpacks instead of single-strap bags, such as messenger bags or large purses.

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What you need to know - Conventional View

• The muscles in the neck and shoulder run up to the head, while the nerves in the neck run all the way down the arms. This means that a strain applied at one point can have effects throughout the body.

• Heavy bags place unhealthy pressure on the neck or shoulder, which often leads to upper back problems, especially over time.

• Good practices can reduce strain on the body. Correct posture, with the head and shoulders held upright, is one of the best ways to protect against muscle and nerve damage.

• Heavier objects should be placed near the bottom and rear of bags. Children should carry less than 15 percent of their body weight in backpacks. Adults using single-strap bags, such as messenger bags and purses, should not carry more than 10 percent of their weight.

• Moving a single-strap bag from shoulder to shoulder or switching between different bags also can help stave off health problems.

• Quote: "Two straps are better than one." - Dr. Jason Moore, chiropractor

Resources you need to know

• Author Mike Adams reviewed the pain-reducing BackTPack product in a previous NewsTarget article: www.Newstarget.com/016830.html

Bottom line

• Carrying heavy bags, particularly on one shoulder, can cause serious health problems.