Christmas is a time of joy, festivities, and togetherness, but it is also a hectic time with the preparations, the extra shopping and preparing for visitors.So, alongside the excitement many activities over the holiday period also resultin physical strain—especially for your back. On what can become an endless round of shopping, decorating your home, cooking and socialising, the festive period often puts extra pressure on our bodies. So, a little mindfulness before it really gets under way might be a good plan and our chiropractor at
Manchester Chiropractors in Ancoats has a practical guide and tips to help you avoid back pain this Christmas and enjoy the celebrations to the fullest.
Christmas Shopping
As a
chiropractor in Manchester and having a family Christmas myself to look forward to, I know that carrying awkward loads when you are shopping for gifts and all that extra food shopping such as the turkey, can be a physical ordeal. Carrying heavy bags or awkwardly shaped parcels can easily lead to back strain. Instead, use a trolley or a backpack to distribute weight evenly.And it really makes sense to make several small trips rather than one large haul. Or do yourself a favour and shop online, home delivery really reduces the lifting! When you are lifting something heavy bend your knees, not your back, when picking up items,especially on low shelves.
Keeping your Christmas Decorating Safe
”Decking the halls with boughs of holly” is potentially great fun, but reaching overhead or climbing ladders can put your back at risk. Ask for help when lifting heavy or bulky decorations such as carrying the tree, including getting those boxes out of the loft or store. Avoid having to seek out our
Chiropractic services in Manchester by using a stable stepladder and never overreach—take a moment and move the ladder instead! Maybe keep decorations at a lower and more easily accessible height to avoid excessive stretching. Don’t push yourself too far, that’s when accidents happen so take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Now Comes the Cooking!
Preparing a Christmas feast often means standing for long periods and lifting heavy pots and roasting trays. Look after your back by standing on a thick kitchen mat to reduce pressure on your spine and always positioning yourself close to the work surface to avoid leaning forward.Use both hands when lifting roasting pans or heavy trays to balance the weight and when just the pot you need is at the back of the cupboard, then squat, not bend, when reaching in.
Smart Gift Wrapping
Sitting on the floor for hours wrapping presents is a recipe for back pain! Wrap your gifts at a table or worktop, and stand if possible, or sit on a supportive chair and keep your back straight. Once again take frequent breaks, this time to stretch and move around.
Travelling Away for the Holiday?
Whether you are going by car, train, or plane, a lumbar support or even a cushion will help your back on longer journeys. If you have the chance for rest stops, then take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around if possible.Avoid carrying all your luggage in one hand and distribute the weight evenly. Or simply pack less!!!
Listen to Your Body
Finally, pay attention at the first sign of twinges or discomfort, step back and take a rest if you need to, just don’t overdo things. Keep walking and moving about, don’t become a couch potato always a temptation over Christmas and Boxing Day!!!! At this
chiropractic clinic in Manchester NorthernQuarter we will be here to help if anything has gone wrong between Christman and New Year, but by taking heed of these tips we hope you can avoid the risk of back pain and focus on what really matters—enjoying Christmas with friends and family. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and pain-free holiday season!
