The holidays can be a real pain in the back! What is supposed to be a season filled with scented candles, and joyful music, ends up being stressful and strenuous on our bodies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50,000 Americans sustain a back injury from a winter-related activity. In addition, 5,800 of those injuries are decorating-related.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we want to spread joy through holiday pain management. Ordinary tips such as using good posture is helpful, but during the holiday season everything is bigger and our patients need bigger tips.
Most of our days and nights will be spend at the mall shopping for our families. Instead of letting back pain hold you back from getting your loved ones gifts, follow these tips from Southwest Spine and Pain Center.
- Use multiple small bags. Instead of using one big bag for all of your purchases, it is better to distribute weight evenly with a bunch of smaller bags.
- Keep lighter items at the top of the bags, and heavier ones towards the bottom.
- Drink plenty of water. Chronic muscle spasms and increased blood velocity result when the body is dehydrated. Inflammation can occur when this happens. Drink enough water that your urinate at least four times a day.
- Unload in your car as many times as necessary. Don’t walk around for hours carrying multiple bags. Make trips back to your car to unload your bags so you are not carrying too much at once.
- Shop at less busy times. Avoid bumping into people and causing back pain.
- Plan ahead. Don’t rush around the mall franticly. Organize your days and know exactly where you’re going and what you’re going to buy.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Use a pair that has a rubber sole and no heel. Your feet need good support for spine health, especially when you’re standing on them all day.
- Bring a friend to help you with physical demands. If you are unable to carry what you plan on buying, bring someone along to help you with heavier items or to make trips back to the car for you.
- Make frequent breaks to rest your body. If you are shopping for more than 45 minutes, try and stop for at least five minutes to hydrate and eat a light snack.
10. Don’t drink coffee on your breaks. Caffeine promotes muscle spasms and can cause muscle stiffness and inflammation.
11. Leave the kids at home. Addition stress and body strain will result if small children accompany you along your shopping trips.
We hope that these tips are a good start to avoiding holiday back pain. It is easy to sustain a back injury when prevention and precaution are not practiced. If you live in the Utah region, contact a Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician today and learn more about how our services can help relieve your back condition.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations and same day appointments, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013
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