Holidays

Don’t Let Chronic Back Pain Interrupt This Holiday Season

The holiday season is daunting enough for people without chronic back pain: extra shopping, extra cooking, extra travelling and of course decorating, wrapping presents and STRESS. All of these “extras” during the holiday season can truly cause additional suffering for those with chronic back pain.

Your local Oak Lawn, IL chiropractor has some tips for you on how to minimize the negative effects of the holiday season on your chronic back pain!

1. Begin a weight loss plan and beat the holiday 5 (or 10 or more) pounds! Extra weight, especially around the midsection can cause and or aggravate chronic back pain.

2. Stay hydrated! We often forget to drink plenty of water when the temperatures drop. Keep those discs fluid-filled and joints well lubricated by making sure you get at least 2 liters of fluids per day.

3. Wrap presents on a table or counter that allows you to maintain proper posture. Stooping and bending to wrap presents can be very hard on your lower back.

4. Take time for YOU. Stress can aggravate current back pain, and it may even be a cause of some chronic back pain cases. Make a relaxing bath or a 20 minute walk a part of your daily routine.

5. Have a cookie exchange instead of trying to bake a million things for the holiday season. When you are in the kitchen, make sure you take time to stretch and rest your back. Standing on a hard surface while rolling out or decorating cookies can lead to more back pain.

6. If you are travelling this season, make sure you allow extra time so you can stop to get out of the car periodically and stretch your back and legs.

7. Staying with relatives? Let them know ahead of time that you need to have a firm mattress. Now is not the time to get stuck on someone’s lumpy old couch! Your loved ones may be able to rent or borrow an extra mattress.

8. Get some help with the decorating and don’t try to do it all in one day. If you have a few extra dollars to spare, you might hire at least the outdoor lighting. Unpack those heavy tubs as you go instead of trying to move the entire tub.

9. Make sure you stick with your chiropractic maintenance plan. You may be busier than ever, but missing treatment for your chronic back pain could make you lose loads of time later!

Above all, take time to enjoy this holiday season. A few less presents, a few less treats and a little more time to observe and take in the holiday spirit! Joy, laughter and smiles are always a great cure for any chronic pain!