9 Tips to Avoid Back Pain this Christmas

christmas back pain tips

It’s Christmas!!!

Well not quite, but I’m sure you’ve noticed the Christmas lights and the festive spirit in all the retail stores around. I normally join the usual rush of stressed out men looking for last minute presents. So how do I keep from getting knots and aches when out? Buy gift cards and be done with it I hear you cry! Certainly an idea, but believe it or not I do carry bags and this is how I avoid the pains and aches over the Christmas period right up to New Year.

christmas back pain tips

Tip 1: Simplify Shopping

Back and leg pain, including sciatica, may make managing Christmas Shopping difficult if not downright impossible. Why not pick up gift cards? See I told you this was a good option. You’ll be letting your family, and friends pick out items they truly want, while avoiding lifting and carrying heavy shopping bags. We have a great selection of our Physio, Pilates and Wellness services on offer. Contact our main reception to ask about our gift cards.

If you do want to buy personalized gifts, shop online. You can have the gifts shipped straight to your loved ones and friends, and avoid long lines at the post office. Alternatively, have online purchases gift-wrapped and delivered to you, so you can hand them to friends and family in person.

While you’re at your computer, consider adding some holiday cheer to others by donating online or come and support us on the 15thDecember for our Christmas Jumper Day. Lots of amazing snacks will be on offer!!…yum yum.

Tip 2: Park Where It’s Easy To Get Back To From All The Shops

You know how it is, you’ve already got a load of bags and the shoulders are feeling sore, but you’ll just pop into M & S for a few more bits, then you come out looking like a Sherpa on the Himalayas!

Well don’t do it, when you’ve got a few things take them back to the car, lock them in the boot and feel the tension go as you stroll back to your next target.

Tip 3 : Rest Every Now And Then And Keep Hydrated

Why not do this after dropping off the first load in the car. Have a warming drink and a snack to recharge your batteries, if it’s caffeinated make sure you have water though so you don’t dehydrate. Muscles are more likely to strain if dehydrated. If you had a sneaky sherry or mulled wine somewhere this is even more important!

Tip 4: Wrap Up Warm

Simple this one, if it’s freezing and windy you’ll immediately be more vulnerable to a muscle strain, wear a scarf and layers so if you get hot you can always take one off.

Tip 5: Making Decorating a Group Activity

Don’t try decorating by yourself. This is especially important when you’re moving heavy or cumbersome objects or putting up the Christmas tree. Get someone to help you, so one person can hand lights and ornaments to the other person to hang. This way, you’ll avoid repetitive reaching or twisting in a way that adds stress to your back.

Tip 6: Take Care at Office Parties

It’s pretty common to see a few self inflicted injuries due to overindulgence and temporary visual and reduced balance injuries! If your colleagues are dancing on the tables and you want to join them please make sure it’s sturdy, Limbo dancing is also best left to the professionals. Choose your dance partner wisely to avoid dislocated shoulders and whiplash.

Tip 7: Plan Ahead Before Cooking

Having a big crowd over? Prepare as much as you can ahead of time. For instance, pies can be done the day before, and you can chop onions and celery for stuffing days in advance.

Before you start cooking, take a look at your kitchen. Is there a place you can sit while chopping? If not, why not use the living room for some tasks like snapping green beans? If you are using a high counter top, lean on it often for 10 to 15 seconds at a time to take some pressure off your back. Don’t get stuck in any one position for too long. If you forget, set your timer to remind you to change positions. At the meal itself, let your guests assist you with serving and clean up so don’t put too much stress on your body.

Tip 8: Take Care of Yourself

The holidays can be so busy that you may be tempted to give up on your regular eating and exercise routine. Don’t do it—you need to strengthen and stretch your body with exercise no matter how hectic things get. Stretching can help you stay limber and reduce your risk of back or neck strain. If you don’t have time for your regular exercise routine, don’t give it up altogether. Try breaking exercise up into smaller chunks of time throughout the day.

Continue to eat regular, healthy meals. Gaining weight can make back pain worse. Keeping on track with healthy eating isn’t always easy during the holidays, so have some strategies in place before you start the round of holiday parties.

Tip 9: Look Ahead

As you look ahead to the coming year, consider simple ways to improve your back or neck pain. It can be as easy as setting a goal to add a 5- to 15-minute walking break to your day. You can sign up for that pilates or yoga class you’ve been thinking about. Alternatively, maybe this is the year to finally replace that old mattress. Last and by no means least, if you’ve had problems before, have a check up so that you know you’re working better and not on the verge of an injury. Christmas time means less availability and it’s a time for enjoying yourself in the company of others. Don’t ruin it with a bad back or neck.

Don’t let back pain creep up on you this Christmas

P.S. If back pain is troubling you right now, or if you’ve noticed any aches and pains starting to really bother you. Feel free to connect with us on 020 87474 029 or email info@bodiesunderconstruction.com.

Leslie Abrahams