Recently, a young woman came to my office with complaints of severe middle and lower back pain. On her first visit, I noticed her beautiful pink purse (big bag) and asked her permission to weigh the bag and discovered that it weighed 8 pounds. While 8 pounds does not seem excessive, the woman weighed 120 pounds and based on the research, would be advised to carry a 2.5-to-3.5-pound bag, (2-3% of her body weight).
A recent study shows that the average weight of a woman’s purse has increased by 38% and now exceeds 6 pounds. Despite technological advances, women have not found a way to simplify their lives, or at least what they think they need in their lives. High tech gadgets have only added weight to a purse already filled to the brim.
On a whim, I decided to ask permission to examine the contents of some of my patient’s purses. A typical purse includes the following: hairbrush, cosmetic bag, mirror, feminine products, keys, and sunglasses, reading glasses, checkbook, wallet, coupons, water bottle, and medications. Additionally, I discovered heavy high-tech products such as cellular phones, tablets, digital Bluetooth earpieces, and rechargers. Lastly, some women add the weight of a book or Kindle to the bag. Studies also show that the larger the bag and stronger the straps, the more items are stuffed in, resulting in a very heavy purse.
It is a pervasive attitude that a woman should never be stranded without her purse full of essentials. So, where is the problem? The problem is that carrying a heavy bag, usually on one side of the body, forces the body to tilt forward and to the opposite direction to compensate. Over time, this change in posture leads to neck, middle and lower back pain.
Consider the following suggestions to promote healthy use of a purse and prevent injury:
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!