Carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder
big purse can help us feel prepared for any situation, but unless it’s a backpack, it may be hurting your health. “When you carry heavy bags on one side, you disturb the angle of your neck, and it can cause pressure on the nerves that come between the vertebrae in the neck and provide sensation to the arms,” Dr. South-Paul says. “If there is pressure on the nerves as they exit the neck, one can experience numbness, tingling, and even pain in the shoulders and arms.” Ouch! The American Chiropractic Association says your bag should weight no more than ten percent of your body weight. The negative effects are even greater if you always carry your bag on the same side, so try to switch it up—and don’t use your phone while holding your bag, which throws off your alignment even more. But men aren’t off the hook either—keeping your wallet in your back pocket can cause back problems, too.
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