Wednesday Aug 20, 2008
Search the Medical Library: Empowered Hospital Home

Heavy Hand Bags and Back Pain - Breaking Health & Medical News - Video Stories

Heavy Hand Bags and Back Pain

So have you noticed a fashion trend lately?

No, we’re not talking about shoes or hair styles; the discussion is on accessories--specifically, hand bags.

They’re getting bigger and bigger.

Is that causing women to suffer more aches and pains?

When we’re talking fashion, usually we’re talking about high heels and how they’re bad for the feet and the posture; but this is a lot like the issue of backpacks--what you’re carrying in your dior could be putting too much strain on your back and spine.

Still, it’s not hard to find folks who are sore from all that schlepping.

“My shoulder hurts a lot at the end of the day,” says Rosa.

Celia adds, “All the time, right now my left shoulder is killing me, I think over stuffing the bags, you don’t know if you should bring two small ones or one large one and no matter how you work it you put to much in them.”

Experts say those over-sized bags may leave you with back, neck and shoulder pain, even headaches and maybe even arthritis.

Dr. Andrew Casden, Associate Director of the Spine Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center, says, “Some people may notice some numbness or tingling of their hand,//there are some important nerves that go down the arm that are located near the shoulder region that get irritated by a heavy bag.”

If your purse is uncomfortable when you put it on, if you can feel it pulling on your shoulder, it may be time to downsize your bag.

“Ten to fifteen pounds begins to be a lot of strain on their back,” says Dr. Casden. Still he says the pain is temporary; the back will heal.

“These structures are strong, they are resistant and although they may have variations in their shape I don’t think carrying a bag is going to cause any permanent change in their posture,” says Dr. Casden.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, carry only the items that are required for each particular day.

But whose to say what’s required?

“I’m carrying a video camera, shoes because I am going to do the sneaker thing, and of course the purse has the wallet, the lipstick, the notebook, all that kind of stuff,” says Jennifer Androvic.

Now, you can always carry something with wheels; or you can carry a backpack.

“But it is not fashionable to wear backpacks at least not for us girls, guys can pull it off, but I am a little concerned,” says Jennifer.

Don’t be.

“All the fashions will change and they will probably get small again,” says Dr. Casden.

Avoid a heavy bag worn over one shoulder.

If you must use a bag or briefcase with a single strap, make sure the strap is padded and wide.

The ACA suggests wearing a strap that is long enough to place over the head resting on the opposite side of the bag or briefcase.

This can help to distribute the weight more evenly.

Also, try to put the bulk of the purse toward the center of the body, perhaps in front of the body. The strap should rest close to the neck.

Related Stories Links:

YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR

Spinal Decompression New Jersey

Dr. David Podell, DC

Dr. David Podell, DC

Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilation
115 River Rd, Bld 10
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Call (888) 319-4510

Have you tried every technique and therapy under the sun for your back pain? Are you suffering all day at work and even at night in your sleep? If so, get the quality care you need from Dr. David Podell, DC. He and his associates of the Waterfront Institute are extremely polite and professional. They utilize state-of-the art technology like Spinal Decompression that really works to prevent back pain from returning. Many people from New Jersey highly recommend Dr. Podell as an outstanding chiropractor.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Chiropractic Doctor in Passaic County, New Jersey

Dr. Anthony Fava, DC

Dr. Anthony Fava, DC

Advanced Center for Injury & Wellness
392 Totowa Rd.
Totowa, New Jersey 07512
Call 888-245-5617

If you suffer from chronic pain, running, walking, or even sitting, may be exceedingly uncomfortable. Although many chronic pain conditions can be treated with medicine or surgery, chiropractic medicine offers more non invasive solutions. For those seeking a chiropractic doctor in Passaic County, New Jersey, Dr. Anthony Fava, DC of The Advanced Center for Injury and Wellness Care provides proven treatments that have been very successful in relieving many cases of chronic pain.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Spinal Decompression Clinic in Tempe

 Arizona Back Institute

Arizona Back Institute

Arizona Back Institute
8575 E. Princess Drive Suite 215
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Call (888) 812-6277

When you have to deal with chronic back pain, taking countless medications or just sitting back and taking it easy isn't a realistic way to go about handling your condition. Instead of doing nothing, you need to find effective treatment that actually works. Perhaps, spinal decompression at a great clinic could be the effective solution you really need. At the Arizona Back Institute in Tempe, the team there have the expertise and caring nature to make the decompression process go as smoothly and successfully as possible.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Plasma Disc Decompression Sarasota, Florida



Sarasota,
Call

Plasma Disc Decompression Sarasota County, FL Backache/spinal pain can make you suffer from leading a normal life. Get it treated with Plasma Disc decompression. Dr. Grubbs of Sarasota, FL uses this minimally-invasive procedure that allows the patient to walk out of the clinic in about an hour.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Locate a Chiropractor Naples, Florida

Dr. Matt Bergtold

Dr. Matt Bergtold

Olde Naples Chiropractic Health Center
689 Tamiami Trail N. Suite D
Naples, FL 34102
Call (888) 245-3215

Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are related to the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, particularly the spine. One focus for Chiropractors is to adjust spinal or vertebral dysfunction. If you need an experienced and board-certified Chiropractor, Dr. Matt Bergtold, DC of Naples, Florida should be your first option. He offers multiple treatments to thoroughly and effectively treat your problems. His extensive experience is with the most cutting edge techniques- he promises the most refined and individualized care available.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

San Diego Spinal Decompression

Dr. Southern California Spine Center

Dr. Southern California Spine Center

Southern California Spine Center
9095 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 155
San Diego, CA 92108
Call 619-916-3296

Are you trying to find ways to stop the pain in your back from continuing in the San Diego area? Do you feel like the pain will never end? There is hope for long time sufferers, and it comes in the form of spinal decompression. Dr. Michael Mountain at Southern California Spine Center offers this therapy which is painless, non-invasive and non-surgical.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Nutritional Counseling White Plains, New York

Dr. Jonathan Donath

Dr. Jonathan Donath

Westchester Spinal Decompression Center
1241 Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains, NY 10605
Call 914-908-5562

In this day and age, with all the exposure to environmental toxins and since many people have bad health, it is very important to maintain the highest degree of health possible in White Plains, New York. Fortunately, a friendly team of professionals at Westchester Spinal Decompression, led by Dr. Jonathan Donath, DC, MS, have the most innovative means necessary to give you the specific Nutritional Counseling needed to suit your specific health needs.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Pain Management Orlando, FL

Dr. Roger W. Spencer, M.D.

Dr. Roger W. Spencer, M.D.

MUA Center of Orlando
132 Benmore Drive
Winter Park, FL 32792
Call 888-232-8152

Call (888)-281-4638 for Pain Management Results

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Sports Injury Doctor NYC

Dr. Steven Shoshany

Dr. Steven Shoshany

New York Integrative Medical and Rehab
632 Broadway, Ste 303 (btw. Bleecker & Houston)
New York City, NY 10012
Call (888) 435-7155

Get your sports injuries treated with the right doctor at New York Integrative Medical and Rehab in Manhattan. This clinic is dedicated to pain management, utilizing the most advanced chiropractic solutions available and creating individualized plans that cater to specific chiropractic needs. Dr. Steven Shoshany specializes in sports related injuries. His skill and experience in sports injury management creates unique insight into many problems.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Spinal Decompression New Jersey

Dr. David Podell, DC

Dr. David Podell, DC

Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilation
115 River Rd, Bld 10
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Call (888) 319-4510

You can't bend, sit, stand, or sleep. What are you waiting for? Dr. David Podell DC uses spinal decompression to help alleviate pain. As the director of the Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilitation in Bergen County, New Jersey, Dr. Podell has years of experience in spinal decompression.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Chiropractic Care White Plains, New York

Dr. Jonathan Donath

Dr. Jonathan Donath

Joint Effort Chiropractic
1241 Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains, NY 10605
Call 914-908-5562

Have pain in your lower back or neck? Ready to try chiropractic care? Consider Dr. Jonathan Donath at the Joint Effort Chiropractic in White Plains, New York for your treatment. The medical team there will work to develop a long-lasting solution to your pain instead of a quick fix that will leave you hurting in a few days.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Nutrition Programs Manhattan

Dr. Noam Sadovnik, D.C.

Dr. Noam Sadovnik, D.C.

Dr. Sadovnik's Renewal Center
1085 Park Ave Suite 1E
NYC, NY 10128
Call

The benefits of good nutrition are endless. A balanced diet leads to a healthier body, sharper mind, and stronger immune system. If you want to change the way you eat and start to feel some of these benefits, call Dr. Noam Sadovnik, DC to inquire about his nutrition programs. Based in Manhattan, Sadovnik's Renewal Center is a full service medical facility ready and willing to help you today.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Active Release Technique White Plains, New York

Dr. Jonathan Donath

Dr. Jonathan Donath

Joint Effort Chiropractic
1241 Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains, NY 10605
Call 914-908-5562

If you've overused a muscle, whether through repetitive use or a sudden tear, it can be hard to recover. At Joint Effort Chiropractic in White Plains, New York, they use Active Release Technique (ART) which is a patented techniques found to be very effective in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Neck and Upper Back Pain in Mechanicsville, Virginia

Dr. Michael Mulvaney, DC

Dr. Michael Mulvaney, DC

Spinal Correction Center of Richmond
8536 Patterson Ave.
Richmond, Virginia 23229
Call 888-804-5326

Spinal disorders affect millions of Americans every year. If you are suffering from Neck and Upper Back Pain as a result of a spinal disorder, Dr. Michael Mulvaney, DC and his team of dedicated professionals are the team to turn to in Mechanicsville, Virginia for drug free, non-surgical care that has proven to ease discomforts by treating the source of the disorder. They will encourage you to take an active role in your treatment process and will give you extraordinary personal care that is rare to find in any medical facility to ensure your comfort at the Spinal Correction Center of Richmond.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Herniated Disc Treatment Plainview Long Island

 ExtenTrac Certified Practices

ExtenTrac Certified Practices

ExtenTrac Certified Practices
120 Bethpage Road Ste 200
Hicksville, NY 11801
Call 888-829-9895

Get treated for your Herniated disc pain with the chiropractors of North East Spinal Care Center. The team of chiropractors offer nonsurgical spinal decompression, which has helped to revolutionize their practice.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy Passaic County, New Jersey

Dr. Anthony Fava, DC

Dr. Anthony Fava, DC

Advanced Center for Injury & Wellness
392 Totowa Rd.
Totowa, New Jersey 07512
Call 888-245-5617

If you are suffering from chronic pain that has so far been untreatable, then you may benefit from Laser Therapy. Dr. Anthony Fava, DC provides advanced alternative treatment for patients at the Advanced Center for Injury & Wellness in Passaic County, New Jersey.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Chronic Pain Naples, Florida

Dr. Matt Bergtold

Dr. Matt Bergtold

Olde Naples Chiropractic Health Center
689 Tamiami Trail N. Suite D
Naples, FL 34102
Call (888) 245-3215

Chronic back pain can significantly reduce your quality of life. Don't allow this discomfort to dictate the way you move, consider chiropractic services. Research has found that chiropractic treatment is effective for relieving acute low back pain. Dr. Matt Bergtold, DC of Olde Naples Chiropractic Health Center has a wide range of experience treating muscle and pain issues. Located in Naples, Florida, his clinic provides cutting edge techniques and the most individualized care available.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Lower Back Pain Union County, New Jersey

Dr. Ronald Spiaggia

Dr. Ronald Spiaggia

Performance Rehabilitation & Sports Injury Center
459 Watchung Avenue
Watchung, NJ 07069
Call (888) 282-1203

The lower back is essential to the body's daily movements so it is essential that you keep it intact and healthy. The lower back, however, is highly susceptible to injuries, herniated discs, vertebrae fractures and spinal deformities. So when you are suffering from lower back pain and you live in the Union County, New Jersey area, then Dr. Ronald Spiaggia, DC is the chiropractor you should be searching for. Based at Performance Rehabilitation, his center specializes in lower back pain treatment so they can assist you or a loved one.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Nutrition Coaching Manhattan

Dr. Noam Sadovnik, D.C.

Dr. Noam Sadovnik, D.C.

Dr. Sadovnik's Renewal Center
1085 Park Ave Suite 1E
NYC, NY 10128
Call

The wear and tear of New York City does not have to result in your health suffering from toxin exposure. If you are looking to re-balance your body, lose unnecessary weight, or just build a plan for a healthier future, Dr. Noam Sadovnik, DC is here to help. Sadovnik's Renewal Center has both licensed professionals and the most innovative treatment options available in holistic nutritional planning.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Orthopedic Consultation Bergen County, New Jersey

 MedWell, L.L.C.

MedWell, L.L.C.

MedWell, L.L.C. Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy
33 Central Ave
Midland Park, NJ 07432
Call (888) 820-2250

Is your knee pain preventing you from enjoying an active lifestyle? For those with knee or arthritis pain, even walking or performing a simple task may be uncomfortable. You might have had x-rays and MRI's, and tried medication. If you've tried multiple treatments with no results, you probably need a consultation with one of our physicians. MedWell LLC in Bergen County, New Jersey has expert Doctors who specialize in evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume
SPECIALTIES