The 5 dangers of a handbag that is too heavy
SERENITY.
3 kg! This is the average weight of a handbag... Keys, wallet, phone, makeup, pens, books, or any other treasure we cannot do without. A bad habit that could harm our health.
1. Develop a bad posture
Carrying a bag that is too heavy on one shoulder makes us lift it, especially to prevent it from slipping, thus twisting the spine. The risk of adopting a bad position, an asymmetry to which our body gets used, can even affect our way of walking, as researchers explained in a study published in 2013 in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science.
To best correct our position, we need to think about standing up straight and regularly practicing some small back stretching and chest strengthening exercises.
2. Cause or worsen back problems
Do you suffer from back pain? What if your handbag is the cause? A handbag that is too heavy often results in muscle pain, especially between the shoulder blades. An overloaded bag, especially if carried on the shoulder, causes significant imbalances in the trapezius muscles, which run across the upper back. This can sometimes even lead to scoliosis.
To relieve the issues related to the weight of our handbag, prefer a backpack format, which allows for weight distribution between the shoulders, or carry it crossbody, taking care to alternate sides.
3. Promote shoulder pain
Have you gotten used to carrying your bag on one shoulder and find it unthinkable to switch to the other? You should try to alternate between the right shoulder and the left shoulder, to relieve them as much as possible and thus avoid a tendon inflammation of the shoulder.
If you regularly need to carry files or books, opt for 2 bags, a classic handbag and a tote bag for example, distributing the weight of what you carry as best as possible.
4. Weaken the joints
Have you succumbed to the trend of carrying a bag in the crook of your arm? Bad idea!Your handbag carried in the elbow crease would be three times heavier than on the shoulder. As a result, you expose yourself to a risk of tearing the arm muscles...
5. Cause headaches and neck pain
Whether carried in the crook of the arm, on the shoulder, crossbody, or even on the back, your overloaded handbag creates tension in the neck muscles by the end of the day, causing burning sensations, and can even sometimes lead to headaches.
In conclusion
Remember that according to specialists who have looked into the matter and whose conclusions were published in Time, a handbag should not exceed 10% of body weight. If that seems like a lot, give it a try, it adds up quickly!
Feel free to take a look at our Serenity'Bag, the solution to relieve your shoulder pain while having a handbag that is glamorous, practical, and light.
