‘Tis the season for…back pain?!
At such a magical time of year, the last thing you want or need is back pain ruining your Christmas. After all, you’ve likely spent months upon months planning for the big day, and you might feel like you’re letting friends and family down if you can’t fully join in the festivities due to your back pain.
However, there are ways to manage your pain so you can enjoy Christmas this year and truly be in the present moment! We’ll give you our top tips.
How does stress cause muscle tension?
One of the many known side effects of stress is increased muscle tension which can lead to back pain. This can subsequently have an impact on:
- Posture
- Sleeping pattern
- Flexibility
- Day to day activities
- Work and social life
An amalgamation of the above effects can all have a cyclical effect in adding to your stress levels which then increases the tension in your muscles.
Start (Even) Earlier
We know, this tip may sound counter-productive, as you may think you’re simply extending your pain rather than getting Christmas preparations over and done with as quickly as possible.
But, if you think about it, by starting your Christmas planning even earlier, you’ll be able to take things at your pace.
Think quieter shops, time to rest, and less time to look for a parking space!
Accept Offers Of Help
While it can be tempting to put yourself last at Christmastime, instead choosing to do everything you can to make the festive season as special as possible for loved ones, you’d be much better off accepting offers of help from those around you.
That heavy bag of presents? Ask someone who is capable of lifting it into your car.
Repeatedly bending to pick up wrapping paper? Suggest a system where everyone helps out!
Trust us, your back (and loved ones) will thank you for it.
Stay Away From High Heels
During the festive season, there’s a high chance you’ll be invited to multiple Christmas parties, where the aim is to dress to impress.
And while there’s nothing wrong with splurging on that oh-so-sparkly dress, perhaps skipping the matching high heels will do wonders for your back pain.
Consider Shopping Online
We appreciate there’s no better feeling than wandering through a bustling shopping centre, Christmas music playing, and experiencing the buzz of the festive season. However, if your back pain is severe, this simply may not be worth it!
Shopping online means you can do so from the comfort of your own home, ideally in a supportive chair, and you needn’t worry about when your next rest is going to be or how you’re going to get everything you’ve bought home.
Prioritise Your Health
It can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of the festive season to the point where we actually forget to look after ourselves.
However, during a period potentially involving lots of walking, standing, and lifting, it’s absolutely essential for those with back pain (or anyone for that matter!) to prioritise their health.
At Morley Chiropractic Clinic, we’re experts in helping you manage back pain. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help, contact us today to speak with our friendly team.
