Over the years I have heard several women complaining of neck stiffness, headaches, and general aches and pains in the shoulders and neck that just don’t seem to go away.  It is almost as if even when I am talking with them their body seems like it is on an angle.  Their head is cocked to the side and one eye seems somewhat squinted, almost as if they are “holding” onto something they just can’t let go.  And then I look down…..and see a purse that wouldn’t qualify for overhead luggage on a plane. 

There are two certainties when you walk: your feet will hit the ground and your eyes will be straight ahead…..everything else will alter to make those two things happen.  If you are constantly holding  15 pounds of Gucci or Coach delight on one arm all day, your shoulder and neck are working overtime to keep that head straight.  The muscles around your neck and shoulders are designed to maintain good posture for your body but weren’t under the assumption they would be holding a small dog for 4 hours while walking through the mall.  Here are a few suggestions to cut down the problem (and no, I am not saying get rid of the purse…..that would just make you mad at me J)

1. Decrease frequency of use­ – Less use = less stress.  I am not saying get rid of the accessory but maybe consider a different option when you know you will be lugging that thing around for 10 hours straight. 

2. Switching shoulders – Just like we have dominant hand and foot, often women will choose a shoulder to carry their purse on.  By simply switching back and forth between arms you can spread the load out.

3. Decrease contents – Again, a sensitive subject.  Just like losing weight puts less overall pressure on your spine the same applies here.  If you neck and back hurt from a purse you may need to rethink the need for 10 different kinds of lotion ready to dispense at any given second.

4. Back Pack Style Purse - If you are digging the style, a backpack purse center in the middle of your spine distributes the weight more evenly reducing pressure over the shoulders or neck.

5.Cross Over if Possible - Having a purse the goes across your body centers the weight a little more.  Furthermore, where the strap sits on your shoulder is closer to your neck, reducing the overall pressure.