Why do I always have aching pains carrying my bag?

by Super User

As we cram more activities into our days, we tend to cram even more stuffs into our bags.  This eventually leads to what we call the handbag syndrome.

The neck has a natural curve to it and it evenly distributes force along the spine.  When we carry a heavy bag on one side over a period of time, that natural curve starts to straighten which will lead to chronic neck and back pains.

  • DON'T carry more than 10 percent of your body weight. Any more can throw off your posture.   i.e. A 45 kg lady should not carry more than 4.5 kgs load which is almost equivalent to a small pack of grain rice.

 

  • DO consider a backpack. It distributes the weight between both shoulders.

 

  • DO look for a shoulder bag with short, wide straps. Slender straps tend to dig into your shoulder or fall off. Also, try to alternate the shoulder you carry it on.

 

  • Avoid long-strapped bags and chain handles. The former swings around as you walk, while the chain handle digs into your skin.

 

  • When carrying shoulder bags, make sure the longest your bag sits is around your waist or bellybutton area.