Man bags can cause serious back injuries: Experts

LONDON - A team of medical experts has claimed that man bags, which have become the ultimate symbol of a modern metrosexual, are responsible for causing serious back injuries.

Man bags have come of age in the last decade, replacing the old-fashioned briefcase, with an increasing number of high profile men from David Beckham to Jude Law sporting them, reports the Telegraph.

Unlike a stiff attache case, which has a carry handle, a man bag has a strap and is usually made of soft leather or canvas, allowing men to sling it across their backs.

UK’s favourite retailer, John Lewis, said sales of man bags have increased 21 per cent over the last year.

But the British Chiropractic Association estimated that the average weight of these bags now totals 6.2kg, or 13.7lb - the equivalent of nearly 14 bags of sugar - because of the quantity of electronic hardware that so many carry on a daily basis.

“Man Bags are now a necessity for many men during their daily lives, but they could cause back and shoulder pain from prolonged stress, this can also impact posture,” Tim Hutchful from the British Chiropractic Association said.

“The bags serve a purpose so we need to become more savvy in how we use them, whilst learning to read our bodies and know when we’re placing too much pressure on certain points,” he said.

Hutchful urged man bag owners to ensure they kept the straps short and to alternate which shoulder they slung it across. They also urged people to keep items in the bags to a minimum. (ANI)