Ladies handbags have certainly got bigger. Recently we read that some can weigh up to 3kg empty! Just imagine how much it could weigh once it is loaded up.
And men are catching up with women as far as carrying bags are concerned. Research undertaken by the BCA in 2011 estimated that the average content of a man’s bag weighed 6.2 Kgs*. The study found that 3 in 5 men were carrying some sort of ‘man’ bag. This bag could be a traditional over the shoulder laptop case, messenger bag or satchel.
Unfortunately all this weight and the way these bags and handbags are being carried can pose a risk to our posture and could potentially cause or contribute to back problems.
Here are some tips we would like to share with you to help you keep your back safe when carrying these heavy types of bags.
- Sort out your bag before you use it and leave out any unnecessary items on the day. Many people carry lots of unnecessary things which make the bag heavier than it needs to be.
- If you buy a single strap bag, try to find one with a strap long enough to cross over your body and wear it this way. This will help keep the bag close to your body.
- Ladies, avoid wearing your handbag on the crook of your arm as this puts an uneven load on your body.
- Avoid carrying the bag in one position for an extended period of time and remember to take a break and stretch and exercise your back muscles regularly.
If you are suffering from back pain or have other concerns please get in touch with us as we offer a lot of help and advice to get you back up and running as soon as possible. You can contact us at Homewood Chiropractic Clinic on 01329 280 283 or email frontdesk@homewoodchiropractic.co.uk
*Weight broken down by: 3kg laptop, 2kg gym kit, 0.5kg lunch, 0.5kg book, 100g phone/blackberry and 100g iPod.
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
