Many people, including women, men, and children, carry a purse, laptop bag, or backpack on a regular basis. These accessories make it easier to carry necessary items to and from work, school, and home, but they can also cause muscle strain and back and neck pain if they are overfilled or carried incorrectly. Here are some tips on how to carry your bag and avoid injury.
Many purses are large enough to carry all kinds of necessary and nonessential items, but overloading them can lead to injuries. Keep your purse as light as possible to reduce muscle strain. Avoid purses with a long, thin strap or a chain handle. A handbag with pockets can help you stay organized and eliminate clutter. High heel shoes can affect the way you walk and carry weight. Supportive shoes can help you avoid injury. Alternate the side of your body where you carry your purse, or carry it in front of you.
Laptop bags typically have one strap and are carried over the shoulder. The weight of a laptop and other items can strain shoulder muscles, restrict blood flow, and pinch nerves. Carrying your laptop bag on one shoulder can put uneven stress on your muscles. You can ease the strain on your body by using a backpack or a bag with wheels, by alternating the side where you carry your bag, or by holding it close to your side.
Children typically carry backpacks from elementary school through college. Researchers have found that many people load backpacks with too much weight and carry them incorrectly, which can lead to back, neck, and shoulder strain. The weight in a backpack should be no more than 10 to 15 percent of your body weight. Keep heavier things in the part of the backpack closest to your back to avoid injury. A backpack should be carried with one strap over each shoulder so that the weight is evenly distributed. Put your backpack on and take it off without twisting your body. Wear it over the middle of your back and adjust the straps so the backpack does not hang below your lower back. Make sure the straps are not so tight that they restrict your movement.
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