Is your handbag weighing you down? A lot of women, myself included, are filling their fabulously spacious replica Louis Vuitton handbags to the brim and silently suffering as a result from neck and back pain. That’s why I decided to dedicate this post to addressing the difficult task of pairing down the contents of our handbags—if only to save on chiropractor bills down the road!

With all of the new spring/summer designer handbag collections boasting massive roomy bags—some that even hang below the knee—the temptation is to fit absolutely all of your possessions into your bag and leave nothing at home. Why? Because we can. And like a good girl scout, I myself like to be prepared. But when I’m carrying my cell phone, iPod, all manners of beauty essentials, keys, sunglasses, hair brush, gym stuff, digital camera, 2 moleskin notebooks, wallet (that itself is roomier than some condos I’ve seen), water bottle, extra-strength ibuprofen, er, “feminine” products, unreturned DVD rentals, whatever novel I’m reading, hand lotion, and a mini umbrella all in the same handbag, I start to feel a little like a beast of burden. And with good reason.

Lightening the Load

According to Canadian physiotherapist Shelly Malcolm Beazley, “The type of injuries that result from big bags would be shoulder and neck strains because the muscles that help to raise the shoulder when you are carrying a purse attach to your shoulder blade and your neck.” Not only that, but this strain is transferred to other areas as well, like the ankles and feet—especially if you’re wearing some hot heels to match that faboosh replica Louis Vuitton Neverfull. The sort of physical stress caused by lifting big heavy handbags can cause permanent problems. Who knew? But if you look at what’s hot right now, from Hermes to Louis Vuitton handbags, it’s most definitely big handbags. And ladies aren’t carrying around big empty sacks; they’re filling those babies to the brim, and their backs and necks are suffering as a result. Thus, I’d like to offer a few pointers to help you reduce your load a little bit and hopefully give your back some much needed repose—while still looking fabulous of course.

• Stick to essentials: Obviously you’re going to want to carry your makeup kit, your credit cards, keys, and cell phone around with you, but do you really need to bring that tire iron everywhere you go? Before you leave the house, take a look in your bag and ask yourself if it’s all really necessary.

• Opt for a wider strap: Ultimately style is going to be the deciding factor for style of strap, but the truth is that longer, wider straps (especially ones that cross over your opposite shoulder) are better for your back and neck than short, skinny ones. For example, your chiropractor will appreciate the long, wide straps featured on many of the Spring 2010 Louis Vuitton handbags over those of the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull or Speedy 30. Just saying!

• Switch shoulders: To some, this may sound silly, to others, totally obvious. By alternating every 10 minutes or so which shoulder you carry your handbag on, you can reduce the strain significantly—and at least have a symmetrically messed-up back!

So girls, is it worth it? Do you feel justified in filling those giant bags?