Reducing Back Pain and Stress During the Holidays

Back pain can have serious consequences for your day to day life. Depending on the severity of your pain, you could be in so much discomfort that it makes it difficult to sleep, participate in your usual activities or even move around. Something as simple as having a bath can become impossible if you have serious back pain. 

The holiday season is inevitably one of the busiest times of the year, and the perfect opportunity for spending time with loved ones and making precious memories. However, if you are suffering from back pain, this will severely inhibit your ability to have a good time. Unfortunately, stress plays a significant role in triggering inflammation and pain, often exacerbating the symptoms associated with back pain and making it more difficult to manage.

Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help limit these effects and ensure that your Christmas isn’t compromised. Here are our top tips for reducing back pain and stress during this holiday season.  

 

Don’t Strive for Perfection

Many of us feel the pressure to create the perfect Christmas and holiday season. However, many of the things that we tend to focus on are elements that are overlooked by others, causing us unnecessary stress and anxiety. Try not to get caught up on the smaller details, and when it comes to the big things, don’t be afraid to ask others to chip in and help – especially if you are hosting family and friends.

 

Spread Your Preparations as Much as you Can

There is a LOT to do in December, and when you are feeling good, it can be tempting to do as much as you can. Unfortunately, this often leads to us overdoing things, and all too often, we end up suffering from pain and mobility problems the next day. It is much better to spread out all of the various jobs that you have and to tackle them a little at a time. Start shopping as early as you feasibly can, wrap up gifts as you buy them and take all the time you need to decorate your home. If you are cooking over the holiday season, prepare your dishes in advance if you can to take some stress off of the main day.

 

Eat Right

You are naturally going to be surrounded by tempting treats during the festive season and there is nothing wrong with a little indulgence. However, it is very easy to start piling on the pounds and this can be particularly bad news for people with back pain. Not only can weight aggravate neck, back and joint pain due to increased load-bearing and altered body posture, but it can make you feel tired and sluggish, making it difficult for you to enjoy the holidays to the fullest.

 

Keep Moving

If you are traveling this holiday season and you regularly suffer from back pain, you will want to think about your travel arrangements carefully. Sitting down for hours, whether on a train, plane, bus or car, can place stress and strain on your spine, and this can affect your nervous system and cause pain. If you can, plan to stand up, stretch and move around periodically so that you can change the pressure on your spine. Even if you aren’t traveling, moving around regularly can still have huge benefits. Don’t be tempted to have a snooze on the couch after dinner, go for a walk instead as this will aid your digestion and help you feel fantastic.

 

Don’t Shun your Chiropractor

A pre-holiday check-up with your chiropractor is one of the best ways to keep your body in optimal health over Christmas and beyond. This is because starting the season with the great alignment of your spine and no nervous system interference will improve your mobility, reduce your pain and help you have an active, happy and fulfilling festive period.

For more tips to reduce back pain and stress during the holiday season, please contact our experienced and friendly team at Knecht Chiropractic Center in Sanford, NC.