Heavy bags, purses put unhealthy burden on back

Carrying a big bag is a pain in the neck. Literally.\nChiropractors and other health professionals are finding an increasing number of women have back and neck problems because they carry huge and often heavy bags.\nBut it could go beyond minor pains and headaches. \nDr. Karin Drummond of Drummond Chiropractic in Bloomington warns students about functional scoliosis, which develops when the spine is twisted because the shoulder muscle on one side is stronger than the other.\nShe’s seeing more IU students come to her with functional scoliosis.\n“Problems are age-dependent,” Drummond said. “The younger you are, the more prone you are to develop functional scoliosis. ... I’ve been here for six years and there has always been a problem. Lately there has been an increase in students. Many are required to carry bags between classes because they can’t keep things in lockers.”\nAdjusting how you carry your bag – such as on the arm or off one shoulder – can be a better solution than purchasing a new one, Drummond said. She suggests wearing hip straps or fanny packs if possible, because “hips are designed to carry more weight than shoulders.”\nOf course, many bags do not come with hip straps. Another suggestion is to move the bag from shoulder to shoulder to provide better weight distribution. If pain is already present, there are ways to help, Drummond said.\n“Chiropractic (care) is great for that realignment.” she said. \nAbove all else, Drummond stressed the importance of exercise, such as yoga.\n“Sitting at a computer all day is horrible for your spine,” she said. “You need to move to be healthy.”\nSome IU students are aware of the risk, but they say big bags are necessary – not just for fashion but for practical purposes. \n“You don’t have to make a bunch of trips to your apartment or wherever you live,” sophomore Katie Kelley said about her MXX bag. “I just use it solely for carrying capacity.” \nSophomore Namrata Hingorani agrees her US Luggage New York bag is more convenient. “\nYou just fit everything in there,” she said.\nSophomore Jessica Brown uses her Victoria’s Secret bag in the same way. \n“I’m able to fit everything I need for class in it,” she said.\nDespite the usefulness and the aesthetics of big bags, all three women agreed they would stop using their big bags if a doctor advised them against it. \n“I want good health,” Kelley said, “and a doctor is a good person to trust.”