STOP Wearing a purse!
Hey Ladies ( presumably!)
Let's talk about the silent cause of pain in your shoulder, neck, and back... YOUR PURSE! (Or book bag, or tote bag or whatever you're carrying)
A few years ago, I ditched my own purse because I noticed when I was out and about and had it with me, I inevitably ended up with neck pain and a headache. Now, I throw my small wallet ( or even just a couple cards), my keys and phone in my pocket and head out the door. It has been one of the smallest decisions I've made for my body that has had the biggest impact.
It doesn't matter what type of bag you are carrying whether it goes on one shoulder or across your body.... our bodies still shift and rotate to counteract the weight. Take a look at this picture...
... The person's body is leaning to the right causing a curve in their spine around their mid back. The neck is having to curve to the left in order to straighten back out. And what you're not seeing is the muscles of the left side of the neck and shoulder are straining to shrug up and hold the purse up against gravity.
... And yes, this happens even if your purse is on the smaller side.
Here are some suggestions of how you can eliminate purse wearing altogether and allow your body to move more naturally (and be more pain free!)
Lighten your load to the point where things will fit in a jacket or sweater pocket. Most of us only need a card, a key and a phone when we're out and about. The rest can stay at home or hidden in your car.
If you really need to carry more than what you can fit in your pocket, consider a backpack. While they still aren't great for our bodies if they are really heavy or if worn for a long period of time... at least it's better than a purse or book bag.
If you love wearing a purse and it's a fashion statement for you, make it as light as possible. Take out everything in it that isn't an urgent necessity for that outing. And please make sure you switch sides/ arms often to counterbalance yourself
If you're currently suffering with Neck, Back, or Shoulder pain and think it might be related to carrying your purse or the imbalances in your body...Click Below for a Free Pain Analysis!
We will evaluate your posture and movement for imbalances and get you started on a plan to eliminating them.
(And if you have some unused Athletic Therapy or Massage Therapy Benefits, now is the time to use them and get your body feeling better before the end of the year!)