Don’t Let Your Purse Be A Pain In The Neck

Purses are so handy! We use them to carry everything from a driver’s license to Tuesday’s lunch. Some of us use them to carry everything but the kitchen sink! This can be a problem—it can be literally a pain in the neck.

Purses put constant pressure on the muscles and nerves of the shoulders. That can result in strain and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Even purses carried on an arm can strain tendons and pull bodies to one side.

Men, you are not immune! A heavy messenger bag or briefcase can cause many of the same issues that purses do.

Avoid letting your purse become a pin in the neck by following these suggestions:

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1. Keep Your Purse Light
Put your purse on the scale and see how heavy it is. Keep your purse to 10 percent of your body weight or less. How can you do this?

Start with a lightweight purse. When choosing a new purse, look for lightweight materials. If your new purse feels heavy when it’s empty, just think how it will feel once you load it up!
Stash the junk. Purge your purse on a regular basis to get rid of old receipts, lists, books, change, etc.
Choose miniature everything. Carry travel sizes of lotions, makeup, etc. to lighten the load.

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2. Change Your Purse According to Need
Use a small light purse when you’re running an errand or going out in the evening. Carry the full-size heavy purse only when necessary, like when you’ll be gone all day.

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3. Wear Your Purse Across Your Body
One way to reduce stress on the shoulders is to carry your purse across your body like a messenger bag. This is easiest with a long strap.

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4. Choose a Purse with Comfort in Mind
A purse with wide straps will distribute the weight of the bag more evenly and avoid cutting into your shoulder. If your purse has compartments, the heaviest items can be stowed low, making it easier to carry.

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5. Switch Arms When Carrying Your Purse
You’d be surprised how often we carry our purses on the same arm all the time! Switching back and forth gives our shoulder, neck, and back a rest.

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If you are experiencing back, neck or muscle pain, call King Chiropractic in Wilmington today at (910) 777-7228. We specialize in pain relief and restoring range of motion from common injuries like strains from a purse. Follow these tips and let us help you feel better!