Harmful Effects of Carrying Heavy Bags

Since the early days of our ancestors, humans have been known to lug around bags. Through the years the ergonomics of bags have improved, but carrying a bag can still have harmful effects to your body. Backpacks, bags and purses have all been known to cause neck and back pain to users if the load they carry is too heavy.

Chiropractic Physician, Dr. Jack J. Cacic, of Lake Worth Chiropractic & Wellness advises his patients to be very careful when carrying a bag or backpack. He has put together a few tips for safe hauling. These tips are also great for parents whose children carry backpacks to school.

Bag Safety Tips:

• Never carry over 15% of your body weight to avoid injuries to your neck and/or back.

• Always pack heavier items on the bottom of your bag. Placing heavier objects on top can cause neck strain and spinal misalignment. 

• Use a bag with two straps. The extra strap will help balance the weight to avoid muscle strain.

• Try to distribute the weight of the bag evenly to avoid postural stress.

• Carry the bag close to your body. “Postural sway” is the amount of torque and tension placed on the spine by a heavy load. Carrying a bag closer to the body will reduce the amount of sway and stress placed on the spinal muscles.
   
• If you must carry a heavy bag, make sure to stop for breaks and stretch your neck and back periodically.