After a difficult year for many people, Christmas provides an opportunity to avoid stresses where possible and relax. Needless to say, back pain is the last thing anyone wants at Christmas! To help you stay comfortable over the next few weeks, here are some simple tips to prevent Christmas from being a pain in your back.
Christmas shopping
Whilst it’s likely that many of us have completed the majority of Christmas shopping online this year, when it comes to food shopping, or picking up last minute gifts, you should:
- Use a trolley rather than a basket, even if you only plan on getting a few items.
- Try to avoid carrying too much at once and distribute the weight of bags evenly. If you can, when bags start to get heavy, take them to your vehicle and store them there before doing any more shopping.
- Wear sensible shoes and try to break up your shopping trip with regular breaks.
If you are shopping online:
- Be aware of your posture, take regular screen breaks and stretch out your muscles.
- If you are using a laptop, use it on a table or desk rather than on your knees.
Decorating your home
If you are yet to put up your decorations, take extra care to protect your back:
- Avoid overreaching as this puts extra strain on your back. Use a step or a ladder.
- When lifting boxes down from the attic, ask someone to help you by receiving boxes from you.
- If you are picking boxes up from the floor, make sure to bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Wrapping presents
Whilst many of us sit on the floor to wrap presents, often whilst watching the tv, it’s important to remember that long periods sitting in an unnatural position can lead to extra strain on the back and neck. Try standing at a table instead, as poor posture can have a range of negative effects on the body.
Cooking
Traditionally, many of us choose to cook a turkey for Christmas dinner, and turkey can be a very heavy bird (especially if you have chosen a large bird to feed a large family). When placing a turkey in the oven or lifting it out, it can be smart to ask for some help to lessen impact on your back. When lifting a turkey, remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Eating, drinking and relaxing
Remember, whilst it’s great to lounge around, and eat and drink a little more than usual, your body still needs to remain active so make sure your body gets regular movement. Try to take it easy on alcohol and sugar where possible and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Hydration helps to reduce the risk of muscle strains!
Fiona Passey Osteopaths
Our practices in Halesowen and Wombourne will close for Christmas on Tuesday 22nd December and reopen on Tuesday 5th January.
Thank you for your support this year and we hope you can enjoy a relaxing and pain free Christmas!
If you have any queries, please do contact us.
