If You Were Santa How Would You Carry The Sack?

I must be starting to get in the mood for Christmas with this title! However it does have a serious note. How often do we carry around large or heavy items? 

Especially at this time of year when we are likely to do more shopping for food and presents, we seem to end up carrying more, which if you have an existing back issue is not good. 

 Then when you think of handbags, some of which are very large and often full. They too can be a strain on our backs and shoulders if they are too heavy and unbalanced.  

 The weekly shopping can be difficult if you have a bad back. Whether you use the supermarket  bags or reusable canvas or fabric bags that are larger , once they are full up they are often very heavy. 

Then there are the days when we go out shopping for gifts and believe me it mounts up doesn't it and we end up lugging around a lot of items that weigh a lot.   

If you carry one heavy bag then all the weight is on one side and can cause undue pressure and is terrible for your posture. If you carry two heavy bags then it tends to weigh down on your shoulders  and is simply heavy and uncomfortable to carry for long periods especially if you have existing back or spinal issues. 

So here are a few tips that might just help to save your back. I cannot help Santa but I can help you.


1. When shopping only fill the bag enough so that you know you can lift it, now that may only be half full or a quarter full, it does not matter. You have to be able to lift it safely and without too much effort.


2. Try to avoid lifting the bag and twisting your spine. Slow controlled even movements and I don't care if it takes longer, people will have to wait. 


3. Maybe use a trolley to put your shopping into if you are walking home. Carrying bags can put a lot of pressure on your back and a trolley is easier for most people. They are also great for carrying goods home from the farmers markets.  (see the trolleys listed at the end of this article. ) Once people have a good trolley they tend to use it for all kinds of things ! 


4. Try to get help with shopping if you are doing a big shop at a supermarket. Even if no one can come with you  maybe ask the store for assistance with carrying it to the car and loading it up. When you get home unload slowly and maybe there will be some help there for you.


5. Handbags! I don't know about you but I seem to fill up my handbag , whatever size it is ! If you do this try to adopt a smaller size handbag, it will still hold your stuff but will be easier on your back and shoulders. 

Check out the bag AmeriBag Classic Microfiber Healthy Back Bag tote X-Small,Black,one size available on Amazon in different sizes, it is lightweight and the carry design is easier on your back. Not for an evening out but great if you want a practical day bag to carry all your stuff.

 Alternatively a nice looking lightweight handbag in a smaller size like the Kipling Europa Crossover Handbag,Black,One Size  


6. When out shopping in a Mall or large store ask if you can store your bought goods there for collection later. That way you can go about your shopping without the burden of carrying it all around all day. Some stores have a car delivery /pick up point where you can collect all your shopping. 


7. If shopping out and about does not appeal to you, or your pain is moderate to severe it may simply be not practical to try shopping . However these days there are so many more options to shop easily and safely online for food and gifts that I know so many people even without any health concerns do all their shopping online and avoid the crowds, so it is possible and can be a great way to get everything you need from your own home.


8. However, if you do go out shopping and carrying items then do make sure when you get home that you do any back pain exercises you have and that you take a warm bath and treat your back very well afterwards. 


So just a few simple practical ways to save lugging that sack around this year! Maybe you have more great inventive ideas If so do let us know in the comments

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For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.