LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD: TIPS TO PREVENT LUGGAGE-RELATED NECK, BACK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES
When packing for a trip, protecting your bones, muscles, and joints may not be top of mind, but it should be!
Over a twelve-month period, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 85,000 travel plans that encountered a detour to emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, or clinics due to injuries related to mishandling overpacked luggage.
With many airlines charging fees to check baggage, it may be tempting to save a few bucks by overstuffing carry-on bags, but hauling over-packed suitcases through the airport and lifting them to squeeze into the overhead compartment on the plane could cost you in the long run. Traveling can, quite literally, be a pain in the neck.
Consider these recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to prevent luggage-related neck, back, and shoulder injuries.
- Divide items between a few smaller bags instead of one large luggage piece and carry bags in each hand.
- If using a duffel or shoulder bag, alternate sides often to prevent stress on your shoulders.
- When choosing a backpack, consider the following:
- Select a backpack with multiple compartments and pack heavier items low and towards the center.
- The backpack should feature two padded, adjustable shoulder straps that allow you to balance the weight equally in order to prevent muscle strain.
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Check out the AAOS website for more luggage safety suggestions!