Is your purse causing you neck and shoulder pain?

The weight on your shoulders

Is your heavy purse causing you neck and shoulder pain? You are not alone. With the new styles today the handbags are getting larger. The bigger the bag the more we carry. Chiropractors are reporting that large heavy handbags are causing problems by throwing off posture, pinching nerves in the neck and shoulder, hindering circulation and vascular flow.

A couple of years ago I discovered that the pain I was experiencing was because of my handbag. I had no idea. I was going to the chiropractor once a month for some relief that never lasted long. The stiffness in my neck and shoulders always returned.

Once I realized what was causing the neck and shoulder pain I took steps to reduce the pain. Here are nine simple steps I took that made me feel better almost immediately

• Your handbag should not weigh more then 5 to 8 pounds.
• Find a handbag that is not heavy to begin with.
• Only carry things you need on a daily basis.
• Alternate shoulders frequently.
• Wear the strap messenger style across the body
• Try to remember not to slump, it adds to the strain.
• Purchase a teardrop sling shoulder bag. These bags are made in an ergonomic fashion so as to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders.
• Don't purchase a big bag. You will only be tempted to fill it.
• Clean out your handbag once a week.

I have taken all these steps myself. I now sleep better at night with out my neck and shoulder pain keeping me awake. Occasionally I try to switch off to a big purse but I am quickly reminded with the stiffness in my neck and the headaches that follow.

Use the simple tips above to help keep your back healthy. Go get yourself a teardrop sling shoulder bag with an ergonomic design.

The healthy back bag that I found has lots of pockets and I love it!