News for Your Health 
Backpacks, Briefcases and Purses Oh My!

September has arrived! That means it's back to school, back to work and back to that hectic fall schedule we all love so much. Time to grab that book bag, brief case or sports bag and hit the road. As your vacation becomes a distant memory take a moment to consider - are you and your family carrying files and books in the right bag? 


 
Already having neck, back, or shoulder pain? Planning a hike soon and need to pick out a bag?

Read further for tips on how purchasing, wearing, and using different bags relates to your health.

 

 

Big Bags Chic or a Pain?

 

Ever hear of the "handbag syndrome"?

 

Most of us carry our belongings in a bag, briefcase or purse. With all our gadgets and accessories, bigger bags are not only fashionable these days, but have become a necessary evil.

 
"Handbag syndrome" is neck, shoulder, and/or back pain, strain, and injury caused by the uneven weight and bloodflow distribution of a heavy purse/bag.

 

While it keeps our hands free to do other things, carrying a heavy load on your back and shoulders can 

 

  • Increase stress to your spine causing abnormal curvatures and pain
  • Affect your posture
  • Pinch the nerves in your neck and shoulder, hindering circulation
  • Accelerate serious injury such as herniated discs and degeneration of the cervical spine
How Can AHYPT Help?

Along with being experts in mobility, our physical therapists have expertise in postural assessment. This means they can assist in reducing and treating related pains from poor bag handling and use by: 

 

  • Providing comprehensive posture assessments
  • Assessing areas of pain as it relates to how you wear/use your bag
  • Provide recommendations to improve your posture and reduce or prevent pain and strain in your neck, back, and shoulders
  • 

Call to us this month to schedule your FREE backpack screening/fitting 

(914) 458-2249  

 

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Did You Know?

 

Did you know that backpacks should not weigh more than 10-15% of your body weight? That means if you weigh 100 pounds, your bag should not be more that 10 to 15 pounds! Hand and shoulder bags should not weigh more than 3 kg or 6.5 pounds!  

 

  

 

 

 

 
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Choosing the Right Backpack

Its all in the design. Choosing a bag with the right features can decrease your risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain. Ultimately allowing you to safely carry what you need to get to class, commute, or enjoy a hike!

 
Look for the following design features to help reduce the chance of back pain:
  • Lightweight material (canvas as opposed to leather)
  • Two padded, wide (2-inches), adjustable shoulder straps
  • Padded back
  • Individualized compartments
  • Hip strap, waist belt, or frame to redistribute the weight of the backpack from the shoulders and back to the pelvis
  • Wheels so that the backpack can be pulled rather than carried
  • Consider using a separate bag for your laptop or other heavier electronic items

 

Is There a Right Way to Wear a Bookbag?

We all know kids have more homework and carry heavier text books these days. How your child wears their bookbag can make a real difference in their posture, risk for scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), and development of neck, shoulder and back pain. 

  
 
Watch the video below for more details and information on backpack safety and use.
Physical Therapy - Backpack Safety for Kids
 
Physical Therapy - Backpack Safety for Kids
News Flash!

 

This fall, A Healthier You Physical Therapy has partnered up with Scarsdale Adult School to offer our Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better interactive educational wellness series on arthritis, heart disease, and back pain.
 

Read more and register here 

 
 
A Healthier You Physical Therapy, LLP
(AHYPT)
Dr. Stacey Rittenberg, PT, DPT, NCS & Dr. Delali Goka, PT, DPT AHYPT Co-Founders
The content of News For Your Health is not intended as a substitute for care/treatment from a physical therapist. If you experience signs or symptoms of illness, please consult your doctor and/or physical therapist.