Chiropractors often treat patients suffering from chronic neck and back pain. While sometimes, pain management is necessary due to injury, strenuous work activity, or unhealthy sleep habits, many individuals have spinal misalignment due to their purse. Heavy handbags that you carry for extended periods will strain your spine, neck, and shoulders. If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling sensations, or general back pain and your bag is the culprit, here are a few ways to mediate the situation.

4 Tips to Reduce Neck & Back Pain

1. Switch Sides

Most individuals tend to carry a bag on one side. This can create an imbalanced load as additional strain is all on one shoulder. As you hold your bag, switch sides often. If you’re a student, educator, or worker that uses many supplies throughout the day, consider a backpack for even weight distribution.

2. Lighten Your Load

While oversized handbags are popular as a fashion statement, a larger bag can become weighed down by unnecessary items. Sort through your purse and remove what you can. Before leaving the house, decide whether you truly need to carry everything in your purse that day.

3. Choose the Right Bag

When shopping for a handbag, prioritize comfort. Pick one up before purchasing and feel its weight while empty. Extra zippers, dense material, and studs may be fashion-forward, but the added weight can lead to unnecessary back pain. Also, lean toward bags with flexibility. A handbag with wide shoulder straps to evenly distribute the load as well as additional carrying options, such as a cross-body strap or a hand strap, will help you establish balance. 

4. Focus on Your Posture

Always test the bag before buying it. As you carry it, focus on your posture. Keep your shoulders relaxed, back, and down while you walk with a neutral neck and spine. With the right bag, you can maintain this posture without leaning to one side.

Are you looking for a chiropractor that can help you understand whether your purse is the source of your back pain? If so, Get Well Family Chiropractic is the right place for you. Since opening in 1997, this friendly, holistic wellness center has helped individuals across Saint Louis County, MO, with pain management and spinal health. To schedule your first appointment, call today at (314) 524-2580. For more information on their services and approach to modern, hands-on care, visit their website.