Expert issues urgent warning to anyone who wears tote bags to work
Many of us trudge to and from the office five days a week carrying a laptop, charger, water bottle, packed lunch, notebooks and a whole bunch of other random miscellaneous items.
Naturally, such belongings can be pretty heavy - especially if you're carrying all the weight on just one shoulder.
Now, despite fashion preferences, wearing a tote bag or one-shoulder bag can actually be super detrimental for your health and be responsible for a bunch of other super serious issues.
So, to give us some more info on the subject, Bethany Lawrence, an Orthopaedic expert and adviser for Panda London, has shared her valuable insight into why we should not be making a habit out of wearing one-strap bags to work.
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Dangers of wearing a tote or shoulder bag
Now, Bethany tells Tyla that carrying a heavy tote or shoulder bag on one side can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder, neck, and upper back.
"This imbalance can cause misalignment in the spine, particularly if the bag is consistently carried on the same side," she warns.
So, inevitably over time, it means that this strain may lead to postural issues, nerve compression, and discomfort in the neck and back.
The weight can also 'disrupt the natural movement of the shoulder and arm' which, in turn, makes everyday actions feel restricted or painful.
Are these problems long-lasting?
"If left unaddressed, the issues caused by heavy or repetitive bag carrying can indeed become long-lasting," Bethany warns.
She explains that 'repeated strain' on the muscles and spine may lead to chronic pain or degenerative changes, especially in the neck and shoulder joints.
"While some cases may improve with corrective measures, others might develop into chronic conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, or tension headaches," the expert adds.
If you're a serial tote bag-holder then you may want to dust off your rucksack real quick and do away with the solo-strapping as the risk of long-lasting impact increases the longer the issue goes uncorrected, and if significant posture changes have occurred.
How can you reverse these problems?
If you, like myself, have been donning tote bags for years and years - it's important you do what you can in order to reverse the problems.
Bethany tells us: "Reversing the problems requires a combination of rest, stretching, strengthening, and, in some cases, therapeutic interventions. Regularly stretching the neck, shoulder, and back muscles can help alleviate tension and improve mobility."
You can also try out 'strengthening exercises' focussing especially on the upper back as well as shoulder stabilisers which can provide better support.
"Osteopathic treatments like joint mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation, and posture correction can be beneficial for re-aligning the body." the expert advises.
"If nerve compression or inflammation is present, anti-inflammatory treatments may be recommended to ease symptoms."
How to avoid these problems?
Simple: go for a two-strap bag.
But, if you can't bring yourself to wear a backpack then Bethany suggests switching the bag to alternate shoulders frequently as this can 'help avoid excessive strain on one side'.
You can also have a sort-out and choose a lighter bag carrying 'only essentials' to help reduce weight - that means removing that stash of half-used deodorant sprays and lip balms.
Bethany adds: "Opting for bags with wide, padded straps or considering a backpack to distribute weight more evenly across both shoulders is advisable.
"Practising good posture while carrying bags - keeping shoulders relaxed and back straight - can also minimise strain."
And a little stretching never hurt anyone.
Can these problems be linked to poor sleep health?
If you've been having crappy sleep, then your tote bag may be the culprit.
"Musculoskeletal strain from improper bag use can contribute to poor sleep health," Bethany warns. "Shoulder or neck pain often worsens at night when lying in certain positions, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep."
Tote bags-wearers can also experience 'chronic tension' which can only result in poor sleep quality or difficulty finding a comfortable sleep position, affecting sleep duration and quality.
"Additionally, misalignment and muscle tension can influence the body’s ability to fully relax, making restorative sleep challenging," the expert shares. "Over time, this can compound stress and further impact physical health."
Anything else we need to know?
"Consider evaluating your lifestyle and routine bag usage," Bethany tells us.
She also urges against carrying your bag for prolonged periods if possible, and says we should 'aim to carry less weight'.
We also need to 'be mindful of your body’s signals', with the expert explaining: "If you experience persistent discomfort or pain, it’s advisable to consult an osteopath or orthopaedic specialist.
"They can assess posture, alignment, and potential musculoskeletal imbalances, providing a tailored treatment plan."
Bethany concluded: "Taking these steps can help protect your spine, improve sleep health, and enhance overall well-being."
Rhiannon Ingle