Sling Bag & Shoulder Pain
A new fashion trend has emerged that causes more pain than you may realize – it’s those trendy, oversized sling bags/purses that wreak havoc on the human body.
There’s no wrong with being trendy, but trouble begins when you start loading them with laptop, water bottle, magazine, make-up, and some work-related documents – and carrying all this everywhere.
Before you know it, there’s a nagging pain in neck/shoulder that may radiate down the arm.
Sling bag Vs. Backpack, which one should I pick?
Sling Bag : When a sling bag is carried on a shoulder, the tendency is for the bag to slide off the shoulder. In order to stop the bag from sliding, one usually needs to lift up the shoulder. This eventually leads to overuse of shoulder & neck muscles causing pain & stiffness.
Backpack : There are many different designs of back pack, but they all share one thing in common – 2 straps, one on each shoulder. So no tendency for the bag to slip off the shoulder, so less risk of shoulder/neck overuse injury. Remember, if backpack is carried on one shoulder, it turns out to be another “modified sling bag”.
Your physiotherapist can help you –
As your physiotherapists, we want the best for your health. Here are some tips that will help you stay injury-free.
Posture – The ideal posture is shoulders relaxed, back upright with no leaning to either side.
Stretches – Stretching is very important to ease the muscles that become sore due to overuse.
Strength – Strengthening the right muscles makes a big difference. Not sure what your muscle imbalances are? We can help identify & treat them.
Strap-hanging – If your bag has a strap that rides diagonally across your body, use it. That should distribute the weight better, and you don’t have the feeling it will slip off, so you’re less likely to hike your shoulder. Also, swap sides so you’re not always using the same shoulder.
Switch It Up – Pack as little into the bag as you can, the bare essentials. Also, try to vary the bags and the weight you carry.
Don’t Ignore Pain – Frequent neck stiffness, headaches, and pain radiating down the arm may develop. If you notice any of these symptoms, and if ice and rest don’t help, leave your bag behind. It’s time to head over to our clinic.
If you’re suffering the same, visit us for a personalized approach to your well-being.
Pooja Physiotherapy & Health Care Center
Blk 77 Indus road #01-521S’160077
Call now@ 6384 5452 or Whatsapp@ 8322 3371 or
drop an email at info@physiopooja.com.sg
