Parties.
Gift shopping. Family gatherings. Curling up to watch a favorite
movie on the couch.
The holiday season is full of reasons for good cheer.
And yet
it is also prime time for Americans to suffer from back and neck
pain.
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.
Here are a few tips from the American Chiropractic
Association to help you stay pain free this holiday season.
At
home (or visiting a friend or relative's home):
• 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 cook, clean, and talk on the phone all
at once- unless you have a headset. Cradling the phone between your
ear and shoulder can lead to muscle tension and neck pain.
While
shopping:
• Make yourself comfortable. Prevent unnecessary
body tension by wearing supportive shoes and non-restrictive
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 try to carry too much at once. Make
frequent visits to your car to unload bags, if necessary. For larger
items, don't be shy- ask your sales clerk for help!
•
Remember, shopping can be an endurance sport, so treat yourself right
after a long day of shopping. Stretch your muscles and take a hot
shower or bath to release tension that may have accumulated during
the day.
Wrapping gifts:
• Wrap presents at a table.
While spreading out on the floor may be fun and convenient, it
encourages poor posture and tension.
Sticking to a routine of
physical activity, getting adequate rest, and eating well will also
help relieve stress and tension during the holidays.
Above
all, relax!
It's one of the best things you can do for
yourself, your family, and your back.