How to Avoid Back Pain Over the Holidays

'Tis the season for holiday cheer, but how cheerful can you be when you're doubled over in pain?

For those who suffer from back pain, the holidays can be a tumultuous time. Things like stress and overexertion are major triggers, and they are also major parts of the holiday season for most people. But fortunately, it is possible to enjoy the holidays without causing any unnecessary pain for yourself. It will require a little forethought and planning on your part, but trust us, it will all be worthwhile.

 

Here's how you can avoid back pain this holiday season...

Relax. Focus on stressing LESS!

Easier said than done, for sure. But you must at least make an effort. Stress causes your body to tense up, and this can lead to pain. And then it gets worse. Back pain, especially when you have a lot to do, can lead to more stress, which can lead to more back pain. It's a vicious cycle. Some tips for getting through the season with cheer:

 

Start early – Make lists of what needs to be done and start attacking those “to do” items as early as you can. Obviously, you can't baste a turkey two weeks in advance, but you can start on your invitations and delegate tasks for others to do.

Don't be a holiday superhero – Have you ever overextended yourself during the holidays? Maybe said yes to one too many Christmas parties or holiday happy hours? Picked up or carried heavy gifts, boxes, groceries, or that 28 pound turkey?? Be careful, carry smaller loads, bend at the knees, and by all means, ask for help. Don't feel pressured to do everything. If you don't feel up to it, there's always next year. Also, don't be pressured into hosting anything if you'd really rather not. It's okay to say no.

 

Take some ME time.

Even with all of your efforts to stress less, you usually have a little more to do during the holidays than you normally would. If you're not careful, this can lead to you overdoing it and overexerting your body. This is a good time to take care of the body that you'll be relying on so heavily. A little goes a long way and it can really help keep the back pain at bay.

Meditate – If you can spend just 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning or night to reflect, you will feel better inside. Spend some time in silence, listening to nature, contemplating the winter snow, or perhaps listening to soothing music. Try to get away from the harried noise that can come with the holiday season. A healthy spirit can positively affect the body.

Exercise – If you're already working out, just continue your normal routine. If you haven't been exercising, it's okay to start now, but be sure to start with something light. Walking or beginner's yoga are good. The important part is that you stretch your muscles and get the blood flowing throughout your body. If you need a little extra help stretching, consider the Piri-Stretcher®. The Piri-Stretcher® was specifically designed to target the muscle that is commonly associated with low back pain – the piriformis muscle.

However you spend your holiday season, be sure to take it easy and take good care of yourself. Happy Holidays from all of us at Miracle Stretch!