Coleen is always snapped with a hige bag on her arm
This month, the McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) is highlighting specific fashion trends that could lead to back, neck and joint problems, particularly amongst women.
The main culprits named in ‘Fashion Strains’ are oversized, heavy shoulder bags popular with celebrities, and ballet-style pumps, which offer little support and no protection from urban pathways.
According to the MCA, large ‘a-la-mode’ bags, often seen on the arms of Posh and Coleen, are often over-filled with unnecessary items and, when repeatedly slung over the shoulder or held in the crook of the elbow, can cause misalignment of the bones in the spine. Gill Amos, spokesperson for the MCA, says: "Heavy weight regularly carried on the same shoulder or arm causes greater tension on one side of your body. This imbalance can lead to variety of aches and pains."
Flat pumps are highlighted as the other major ‘Fashion Strain’, as they offer little support and no protective cushioning from the unforgiving concrete pavements in towns and cities.
Gill continues: "Flat shoes are contributing to back and lower leg strain among our younger patients. Some pumps are no more supportive than ballet slippers and are not meant for daily city walking. Wearers often bunch their toes up to keep these flimsy shoes on, which can also have a knock-on effect on the entire body, creating lower back tension and stiffness."
Moving from one type of shoe to another; high heels are also a common cause of lower back tension. Gill says: "Wearing high heels forces your weight forward, working your back muscles harder to keep you upright, especially those in your lower back. Try and avoid wearing sky-scraper heels for long periods of time."
Tight fitting skinny jeans or pencil skirts can also cause problems. They can cause you to sit or walk in an unnatural way, intensifying postural problems.
Gill says: "We’re not suggesting you stop wearing your favourite clothes, or give up your preferred handbag, but to avoid becoming a victim of fashion strain the advice is simple - it’s all about moderation and variety"
These tips can stop you from becoming a victim of fashion
Swap your ballet flats one day for a more supportive shoe the next.
Avoid sky-scraper heels when you know you are going to be on your feet all day, or keep them for special occasions.
Big bags are fine some of the time, as long as you alternate which arm or shoulder you carry it on. If you need to carry a lot of things or heavier items, either use a rucksack or divide the contents between two bags, carrying one on each side of your body.
Regularly sort through the contents of your bag to ensure you’re only carrying the essentials to keep it as light as possible. Most of what we carry around never leaves the bag!
Avoid excessively tight jeans or skirts, especially in combination with high heels.