Is Your Bag Causing Back Pain in Vacaville?

In today's society, many people are carrying a lot of things in their backpacks, briefcases, purse, and computer bags. With that, there is no doubt that back pain in Vacaville will set in.

Technology is the prime example of making a person's bag heavier than ever. People are now carrying tech stuff like smartphones, laptops, or tablets, which may seem like little things, but they add weight. There is no doubt that back pain will be inevitable especially if you carry it around every single day.

Strategies for a back-friendly bag in Vacaville

The next time you are going out with a bag, there are some ideas that you can incorporate to lighten your load and spare your back.

• Choose the smallest bag if possible: The bigger the bag, the more things that you will put in it. You can do yourself a favor by carrying the smallest bag that is filled with only the things you need and leaving the rest at home. Keep in mind that your back pain will not be triggered by a single item but rather an accumulation of smaller items.
• Use thick straps: A thin strap resting on your shoulder can cut into your muscles and cause some problems for you.
• Go for symmetry: Focusing on one side of your body to carry the extra weight will be one of the biggest back pain causes. Carrying weight on one side of the body for an extended period will cause your spine to curve, which will eventually lead to back pain symptoms. It goes without saying that a messenger bag is better since you wear it diagonally across your body instead of a single-strap bag that rests on one shoulder.
• Switch sides: If you can't stop using a single-strap bag, then be mindful about changing sides whenever you carry it. If it is a short strap that you carry with your hand, then alternate between your right and left hand. This is the only way of balancing the weight and not letting it be a burden to your back.
• Wear a backpack: The dual straps of a backpack are great for distributing weight evenly on your body, which makes it a favorite even for adults. This is the perfect choice especially if you are carrying something like books, laptop, organizer, etc. because it is much more convenient than other types of bags. When wearing a backpack, make sure to adjust the straps to carry it as high on your back as you can. Doing this will make the weight feel lighter and easier to carry.
• Aim for carrying 10% less of your body weight: It is ideal not to carry more than 10% of your body weight to make the load bearable. The best way to measure it is to put your bag on a scale and go from there. If the bag is too heavy, then see if there is anything that you can do about it.

It doesn't matter if you're a minimalist because the important thing here is that you are saving yourself from a potential onset of back pain. If you need more tips on this or some help with your back pain, then Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine is the place to go to. Just dial (707) 474-5688 right now to set up an appointment and get treated right away.