Could it be that the bag you carry around every day with you is giving you lower back pain? Well the answer is yes, if you use your bag in the wrong way, in can cause back pain.

Well bags do really help us stay organised, and they are an essential part of many peoples day, so we will try to outline things you can do to prevent back pain from your bag.

What Causes the Problems

• If you have a side bag it can make you lean to one side and this can create lower back pain, as well as straining your shoulders., if you carry a backpack on only one shoulder it can do the same thing.
• Badly shaped bags – if you have a bag or backpack that you just find uncomfortable, for example its tight, strap is unsupportive or so thin it stops your circulation, the bag sits in the wrong position.  These can all lead to back pain.
• Badly adjusted bag – the main culprit of this is teenagers who want to look cool and wear their backpacks really low.
• Heavy bags – especially side bags.  It is recommended you don’t carry more then 10% of your weight on a daily basis.
• Carrying a bag can change the way you walk, the heavier the bag the more this is true.

How to Fix It

• Buy a good quality bag – this will give your back more support.
• Try out some wheels – I know they don’t look the best, but if you are carrying a heavy load this will really save your back.
• Get an area at work where you can store things – so you don’t have to carry it to/from work every day.
• Take less stuff, this will make your bag lighter.  Just about everyone carries more than they have to.
• Plan your work – so you know exactly what you need to carry.
• Pack your bag properly – put the heavier things in the bottom center of your bag
• Use it properly – don’t go carrying your backpack on a single shoulder.  Also if your bag is heavy be careful when you pick it up.

Hopefully these few tips help you find a way to lessen your back pain caused by bad bags.