Our London chiropractic clinic, MotionBack, usually sees an increase in appointments each January. This sudden influx of patients occurs because so many people develop back soreness during the holiday period.
Their back issues are often a result of accidents and behavioural changes that have occurred during the Christmas holidays. To help you avoid back soreness this Christmas, this post will share some of the ways to keep your back healthy between now and the New Year.
If you are suffering from back soreness, contact our London chiropractic clinic, Motionback Chiropractic Clinic, by calling 0207 112 5408 or you can book online on our website here. You can also read on to learn how to avoid back soreness this holiday season.
Our London Chiropractor Suggests Ways To Keep Your Back Healthy This Christmas
#1 – Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Many people overindulge on alcohol during the silly season. Unfortunately, excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of accidents which lead to back injuries. Placing sensible limits on how much alcohol you consume will help you avoid these kinds of injuries.
Another risk associated with excessive alcohol consumption is dehydration, which can affect your spinal discs. Spinal discs are gelatinous discs that sit between the vertebrae in the spine. They cushion the spine and provide shock absorption. Because your spinal discs are made up of about 80% water, they can be affected by dehydration.
#2 – Be safe around the home
If you are having Christmas at home, you will probably be rushing around as you clean, wrap presents, move furniture and put up decorations. However, it’s important to be mindful of your movements as you perform these kinds of chores.
Many of the patients who visit our London chiropractor around the Christmas period do so to get help for a back injury that has occurred during Christmas preparations. Common Christmas-related injuries are overstretching while putting up decorations, back injuries from moving heavy furniture, and lifting awkward and/or heavy objects. We even see patients who have strained themselves by carrying excessively heavy shopping bags. Remember to look after yourself and don’t take on too much work.
#3 – Get enough sleep
Christmas often involves a lot of late nights as you stay up with family and friends. However, it also involves early mornings as you are woken up at the crack of dawn by the kids! This results in a reduction in the number of hours you get to sleep each evening. Unfortunately, this begins to take a toll on your back as your muscles don’t have enough time to recuperate each day.
We also notice a lot of patients seeking chiropractic care after sleeping on a poor quality bed when staying at someone else’s home during the holidays. Make sure you have access to a comfortable mattress that doesn’t damage your back when spending Christmas away from your home.
#4 – Be mindful of your posture
Christmas can involve a lot more sitting than you are used to. You might spend many hours sitting down at restaurants, barbecues, bars, and in front of the TV.
Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact on your posture, causing your hip flexors to tighten, bringing your shoulders/neck forward, and leading to lower back pain. To avoid this, be mindful of your posture and avoid spending too much time in a chair if possible.
#5 – Continue exercising during the Christmas period
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain good spinal health. It helps you build important muscles, improves mobility, and prevents excessive weight gain — all of which help to protect your back.
Unfortunately, many people stop exercising during the Christmas period. In many cases, this is simply because their normal daily schedule has changed.
Make an effort to continue exercising throughout the holidays. Be aware that you may need to alter the kinds of exercise you perform. Even taking a walk with the family or playing football with the kids on Christmas day is beneficial, so focus on staying active.
#6 – Avoid overeating
Food is one of the best parts of Christmas. Delicious sticky date puddings, roast veggies, and cakes. However, overindulging can lead to weight gain, which can place more pressure on the back. The good news is that you can still enjoy all of those wonderful treats. You just need to be mindful about portion size. Have a small bowl of pudding instead of a mountain-sized portion and you will be fine.
#7 – Stay warm
As we all know, it can get very cold during winter in the UK. Not only is this uncomfortable, it can increase the risk of back injuries and generalised back pain. One simple tactic you can use to avoid these issues is staying warm. The additional warmth will help you retain your flexibility in the cold, reducing the risk of injuries and a sore back.
#8 – Practice correct lifting and bending techniques
Christmas involves a surprising amount of lifting, bending and twisting. Simple activities like stringing Christmas lights, playing with children, and reaching for a good bottle of wine at the supermarket will involve using your back. Whenever you perform these activities, be mindful of the position of your body. This great article from MedlinePlus has more information on correct lifting and bending.
If you have some back soreness and require chiropractic treatment our experienced team of London chiropractors are here to help you. You can book an appointment by contacting Motionback Chiropractic Clinic today by calling 0207 112 5408 or you can book online at our website here.