My shoulder bag is starting to hurt - I need an alternative!

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O.G.
Oct 14, 2009
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I have been carrying around my LV Neverfull MM all summer to work, but now it is really starting to hurt my shoulder. I can't switch it to my other shoulder because it's just too awkward. Anyways, I've switched back to my TB backpack and it's helped, but I'm wondering about what else might be out there. Any suggestions? I typically carry a wallet, cell phone, umbrella and a small make-up case.
 
Sorry to hear that! I used to assume that shoulder bags were more comfortable than short handle bags but after switching to a short handle I found I was wrong!! I learned from this Oprah article that there are various factors that make a bag uncomfortable. In my case, my shoulder bags were hanging too low AND I was overpacking. since wearing short handled bags I never feel shoulder pain anymore.


http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Find-a-Handbag-That-Wont-Hurt-Your-Back
 
Sorry to hear that! I used to assume that shoulder bags were more comfortable than short handle bags but after switching to a short handle I found I was wrong!! I learned from this Oprah article that there are various factors that make a bag uncomfortable. In my case, my shoulder bags were hanging too low AND I was overpacking. since wearing short handled bags I never feel shoulder pain anymore.


http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Find-a-Handbag-That-Wont-Hurt-Your-Back

Thanks for the article. It doesn' t help that the NF has the skinny straps :(.
 
I have shoulder tendonitis and switching to handheld bags helped me a lot. Since you like LV I'd recommend a Speedy - I have a 25 that is perfect for what I need to carry and I carry it either in my hand or on the crook of my arm.

If you've never had a handheld bag before and want to be sure it will work for you before you spend that much, right now they are very popular and most brands are making them.

I have two LAMBs that are about halfway between the size of a Speedy 25 and 30, one was $298 and the other was $248 (but I got it at Winners for I think $140). I've also seen lots of them at very low prices if you don't care about them being designer.
 
I'd recommend a hand-held. I know people say, 'But I prefer the convenience of shoulder straps.' I'm a bit like that myself, but find I enjoy hand-helds. They look nicer when carried IMO, and aren't anything like as inconvenient as people think. Right now I'm carrying a Bal Twiggy, which is very lightweight and also has a shoulder option. But if you don't want to lay out that kind of cash (neither did I, got my Twiggy on a great TK Maxx deal!) there are many other Speedy-like bags that don't cost so much. If you can find one that's lightweight, it might be the way to go. Your shoulder will thank you!
 
Crossbody bag, hands-down. IMO. I, for one, cannot do a handheld. Initially I was very excited when I tried one, but they become a PITA after a very short time. I need both hands free!
 
Shopmore, Thank you for the wonderful article and I love your avatar! I've been recently having a little back pain and now my shoulders are aching. I went to the chiropractor and he didn't think my bag was too heavy but said I now have bursitis (spelling?) in my shoulders. I'm a side sleeper and this is killing me!!! I've never even considered a hand held bag! I love the way they look on the crook of the arm, but I once wore a bag that way and my hand was so tired after a while that I ended up just carrying the bag like a case. There is truth to that article! I hate to say it, but when I wear my BV Veneta, no problem whatsoever! - Light as a feather and right under my arm. This might be a very expensive wake up call for me! :p
 
Thanks ladies. I actually do have 2 Speedies, but haven't been carrying them as much since I thought the Neverfull would be a better work bag, but I may give them another try.
 
If it's the NF's skinny straps that cut into your shoulder, maybe try the Totally. I find it a very comfy bag to carry.

A few years ago I had some lower back pain and went to a chiro. Before we even got started, he randomly picked up my bag to move it and commented that he's guessing my handbag is why I'm there to see him.:laugh:
 
I had to get rid of my Dooney Florentine satchel because of the pain too! I thought I found my ultimate black bag when I got it, I was super excited to have that bag and then after a while, I found that it was a nucance (SP?) carrying it around whether or not by the handles or the strap, it didn't matter. The problem was the bag weighed so much EMPTY so once you put your things in there, forget about it!! I'm surprised that your neverfull was heavy but I guess it's those skinny straps digging in. Good luck finding your perfect bag!!
 
Shopmore, Thank you for the wonderful article and I love your avatar! I've been recently having a little back pain and now my shoulders are aching. I went to the chiropractor and he didn't think my bag was too heavy but said I now have bursitis (spelling?) in my shoulders. I'm a side sleeper and this is killing me!!! I've never even considered a hand held bag! I love the way they look on the crook of the arm, but I once wore a bag that way and my hand was so tired after a while that I ended up just carrying the bag like a case. There is truth to that article! I hate to say it, but when I wear my BV Veneta, no problem whatsoever! - Light as a feather and right under my arm. This might be a very expensive wake up call for me! :p

What is bursitis? I sometimes get pain in my shoulders when I carry either shoulder bags OR CROSS-BODIES. I still use my BVs (both hobos) but OW!

I thought it was because of my martial arts and the bag just excacerbated the pain but now I'm not sure and I wanted the original Jackie (shoulder bag) this Winter.
 
What is bursitis? I sometimes get pain in my shoulders when I carry either shoulder bags OR CROSS-BODIES. I still use my BVs (both hobos) but OW!

I thought it was because of my martial arts and the bag just excacerbated the pain but now I'm not sure and I wanted the original Jackie (shoulder bag) this Winter.


Bursa is the cartilage in your joints, if it gets compressed it causes the pain (tendonitis which I have is when the joints compress the tendons). Shoulder and crossbody bags both cause me extreme pain. I carried a Coach shoulder bag today because I had a business meeting and it looked more office-y than my LAMBs (I didn't want to carry my LV because I hadn't met the people before and didn't want to look like I was showing off). My shoulders are really bothering me now, after just one day.
 
What is bursitis? I sometimes get pain in my shoulders when I carry either shoulder bags OR CROSS-BODIES. I still use my BVs (both hobos) but OW!

I thought it was because of my martial arts and the bag just excacerbated the pain but now I'm not sure and I wanted the original Jackie (shoulder bag) this Winter.
Bursitis is also inflamation. One remedy is cortisone shots injected in the site however, my chiropractor believes with a few adjustments it will be okay.

I would hold off with the Jackie! ;) Of course I went shopping today and discovered this. It is light as a feather and looks good on the crook of the arm.
http://www.ferragamo.com/webapp/wcs...551#/product/27652/6148914691233338668/439705
 
I'm sorry everyone. I am having trouble downloading it. It's a simple double straped handbag with a zip closure and protective ball feet in pebbled leather. Extremely simple looking.
 
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