Keep Your Back From Aching This Holiday Season
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the holidays are one of those times where back pain is very prevalent. Don’t let back and neck pain get you down this holiday season and put a damper on the parties and other festivities that make this time special.
For one thing, the stress associated with extra obligations during the holidays can increase muscle tension, aggravating any existing condition. But there are also a number of common seasonal activities- such as entertaining, shopping, and wrapping gifts- that can lead directly to back and neck pain.
The American Chiropractic Association suggests the following to help keep you free from pain.
While home or visiting family and friends…
-Sit in a firm but comfortable chair, and pay attention to posture while entertaining friends and family or watching television. Spending hours on too-soft sofas in poor posture can cause imbalances along the spine.
Don’t do too many things, like cooking and cleaning, while talking on the phone. Cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder can lead to muscle tension and neck pain.
During shopping trips:
Avoid unnecessary body tension by wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing.
-Leave your overstuffed purse at home. Instead, wear a fanny pack or take a small wallet containing only the essentials- credit card, driver’s license, and your gift list of course.
Don’t hurt your back carrying too many heaving bags at once. You may need to take a few extra trips to your car but your back will thank you!
Take care of yourself after a long day of shopping. Take a hot shower or bath, stretch stiff muscle and put on some soft slippers to wear around the house.
You can prevent muscle tension and pain while wrapping gifts if you wrap them at a large table rather than sprawled out on the floor.
Keeping an exercise routine during the holidays is important to prevent muscle strains. Get plenty of rest and eat well too. Remember to relax! The holidays are meant to be enjoyed.
And if you do experience neck or back pain, be sure to fit an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic care into your busy schedule.
Tags: chiropractors