The most obvious solution: carry a lighter purse, or go purse free (when was the last time you used your pockets?) If that's blasphemous, and you're already carrying only the essentials, Dr. Rachel Frozenfar, a specialist in ergonomics and chiropractic, recommends ditching your tote for a messenger bag. "This style is best when carrying a heavier load, like a laptop. The bag's strap should fall across the chest, and the bag's weight should fall on your back." Apply this rule when carrying anything that is more than eight percent of your body weight.

No messenger? At the least, try alternating shoulders, and make sure your purse is as close to your body as possible to reduce stress on your shoulders and spine. And while a heavy bag over the shoulder isn't ideal, it's better than carrying it in the crease of the elbow (sorry, Posh.) Jacobs also recommends taking preventative measures at the gym: focus on your postural, core muscles, and shoulders with more planks and pushups.