Smaller handbags with chain straps, such as this Anya Hindmarch Speed purse, are lighter alternatives to big, overstuffed bags that might lead to back problems.

A laptop, a change of clothes, a bottle of wine, books, groceries … we’ve pulled all of these items out of our purse on various occasions. And that’s not good, because overstuffed handbags not only lead to broken straps and misshapen purses, but also to back problems for those carrying them.

Gerard W. Clum, D.C., president of Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, CA, and spokesman for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, says that hefty handbags induce headaches and neck, shoulder and back pain. (More bad news for fashionistas — this spinal distress is exacerbated by high heels!) Many of Clum’s patients’ purses weigh as much as 15 pounds; he suggests whittling them down to 1–2 pounds.

One of our bags currently is being repaired for a strap break, so we are going to revise its contents before our spine and back are its next victims. While we love oversized bags, we think investing in some smaller purses might force us to behave. Chain straps — a big trend this spring from designers such as Tory Burch and Chanel — are not only durable, but they keep you from adding unnecessary items by weighing heavily on the shoulder. In the Anya Hindmarch collection, Speed (shown, $795) has a chain strap, while larger bags that incorporate the chain look — such as the Arne woven leather bag ($1,225) — include leather in the shoulder area for more comfort.

We think our vow to take better care of our back and the return of the chain strap is serendipitous. If you’re guilty of using your handbag as luggage, what items do you think you’ll take out?

Tags: Anya Hindmarch, Bag, Chanel, Clothing, Fashion, Hindmarch, Luggage, Purse, Strap, Tory Burch, USD