Back-Friendly Bags
Choosing the right bag--and wearing it correctly--helps minimize aches and pains.
By Stacy Adimando
A roomy handbag is convenient, but carrying as little as five pounds on one shoulder can cause neck and back pain. "Your body compensates when it's unbalanced by extra weight," explains chiropractor Scott Bautch, DC, CCSP, former president of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "You might lean forward, keep your upper body stiff while you're walking, or raise one shoulder higher than the other one." Over time, those compensations can lead to headaches, back problems, and pain or numbness in the shoulders, neck, and hands.
Because purses, messenger bags, and one-strap sling packs all place weight on just one shoulder, Bautch suggests switching to a backpack with two straps (like the Burton Day Hiker, $59.95; www.burton.com, shown here), which will reduce strain on your body. Here are some other recommendations:
Downsize. If possible, carry a bag that's no heavier than 10 percent of your body weight, Bautch recommends. If you're going above that, look for a backpack with stabilizing chest straps, to keep the bag from shifting side to side, and a waist belt, which distributes some of the weight onto your hips.
Get a Good Fit. To spread the weight evenly across your back, choose a bag that rests comfortably on the most muscular part of your back between your shoulders and your neck. Adjust your pack so the top lines up with the base of your neck. Also, make sure the bag doesn't drop below your belt or waistline, since that puts stress on your lower back. And lastly, pull the bag snug to your back: It's easier to carry a heavy load when you keep the weight close to your body, Bautch explains.
Read more Health articles.
Because purses, messenger bags, and one-strap sling packs all place weight on just one shoulder, Bautch suggests switching to a backpack with two straps (like the Burton Day Hiker, $59.95; www.burton.com, shown here), which will reduce strain on your body. Here are some other recommendations:
Downsize. If possible, carry a bag that's no heavier than 10 percent of your body weight, Bautch recommends. If you're going above that, look for a backpack with stabilizing chest straps, to keep the bag from shifting side to side, and a waist belt, which distributes some of the weight onto your hips.
Get a Good Fit. To spread the weight evenly across your back, choose a bag that rests comfortably on the most muscular part of your back between your shoulders and your neck. Adjust your pack so the top lines up with the base of your neck. Also, make sure the bag doesn't drop below your belt or waistline, since that puts stress on your lower back. And lastly, pull the bag snug to your back: It's easier to carry a heavy load when you keep the weight close to your body, Bautch explains.
Read more Health articles.
