The holidays are a time for family, friends, laughter, and love. Back pain shouldn’t distract from any of it, but the sad reality is that chronic pain and muscle strain can be brought on by many holiday activities. Here are some to watch out for.
Wrapping Presents
The shiny bows and perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree are a picturesque part of any Christmas, but the repetitive motions involved in setting it all up can come with some painful repercussions. To avoid wrist pain from frequent folding, taping, and ribbon cutting, opt for gift bags or find some of Santa’s helpers (hint: a lot of kids love wrapping presents) to assist in preparing gifts and putting them under the tree.
[Related: Cold Weather and Pain: Why They’re Linked and How to Heal]
Decorating Your House
When decorating your house for the holidays, whether that means stringing lights, putting up a tree, or hanging mistletoe, be extra careful. Take precautions and use stepladders — never decorate alone in your house in case you fall and need immediate help. Be aware of your surroundings and remember — you won’t be able to enjoy these decorations if you’re stuck in bed (or worse, an emergency room!) with a bad back.
Carrying Bags
The holiday season means tons of traveling and shopping, which means bags, bags, and more bags. Whether you’re hauling around heavy luggage at the airport or dragging shopping bags full of Christmas gifts at the mall, the added weight can be terrible for your shoulders, neck, and back. If you’re traveling, pack light and use roller suitcases to ease some of the strain. Out shopping? Take frequent breaks to load bags into your car, and make sure you are evenly carrying bags on both sides of your body.
[Related: Four New Year’s Resolutions to Ease Back Pain]
Shoveling Snow
Even if you live in a state that doesn’t see much snow, sometimes a heavy storm will surprise you. Wear appropriate boots when walking outside your property and keep focused — ice isn’t always obvious and a slip and fall could mean a thrown out back or much worse. If you decide to shovel your walkway or driveway, make sure you aren’t throwing the snow over your shoulders, but lifting and moving it to the side while keeping the shovel in front of you.
Stressing Out
Finally, the holidays are undoubtedly a joyous, but stressful, time. Make sure you take care of your mental and physical health by avoiding an overpacked schedule, making to-do lists, and trying not to over exert yourself with work or socially. Try to keep hydrated, get a proper amount of sleep, eat well (but don’t beat yourself up about sneaking some treats — after all, ‘tis the season), relax, and remember what’s most important about the holidays: friends and family.
If you have any questions, concerns, or tips about how you deal with holiday stress, or if you’d like to set up a consultation or appointment, contact Spencer Chiropractic Center today!