If you experience problems with your back on a regular basis, the chances are you know the correct things to do, and the things to avoid. All year round, you probably sit properly, take the right exercise, avoid lifting heavy objects, and strange and sudden movements. Yet during the Festive Season, with all the extra preparations and excitement, many of the good habits we have formed can be forgotten – and there is often a price to pay for that forgetfulness- back pain. Below are some of the key things we need to remember over the holidays.
At Christmas there is a greater tendency to sit down for long periods of time. This might be because we have more time off work, or because we are being waited on hand and foot by a relative (unlikely I know) or it simply could be because we are taking the opportunity to watch too many reruns of old films. Of course, it isn't always our own choice to sit down for long periods of time, there may also be a requirement to visit relatives, and sitting in the car is not the most supportive of sitting positions! Whatever the reasons though, it is important to break up the sitting down sessions by getting up and moving about regularly.
Exercise is vital for everyone. With sufferers of recurrent back pain this is never more the case, and regular stretching is an absolute essential. However, it isn't just that the gym or leisure centre is closed over part of the holidays that stops us doing this much needed activity, but that we are just too busy enjoying ourselves to fit it in. Even if you do less exercise over the festive period, don't give up on it entirely, and squeeze it in as and when you can.
Your house can easily become Santa's Grotto over December and part of January. Where does the extra decoration come from though? Trips up the stairs to the attic, or reaching up high on a garage wall can be dangerous. Heavy objects lifted from difficult positions (and this includes bringing in the Christmas tree too) should be avoided, or at least shared with another adult and performed correctly. If you wouldn't lift it on your own ordinarily, then don't lift it alone at Christmas either.
Weight gain is something most of us tolerate over Christmas, it almost seems inevitable. However, it is worth remembering that extra weight puts additional strain on the body, and this can result in unnecessary back pain. Enjoy your food and drink, but keep the intake moderate and give your body a chance!
Finally, during the winter we all need to take extra care when outdoors. The ground can be slippery or icy and trips and falls can bring on back pain immediately. Added to the hazardous conditions is the tendency to carry more shopping than usual - so just take extra care.
If you experience back pain and would like to know what Fiona Passey & Partners can offer you then please call our Halesowen Practice on 0121 585 8555 or our Wombourne Practice on 01902 894 894.
