The Christmas holidays are a time for joy, indulgence and catching up with loved ones but they can also play havoc with your joints and muscles.
Between long hours spent slumped on the sofa, marathon cooking sessions and the stress of ticking off that endless Christmas to-do list, it’s no wonder so many people end up feeling more ‘Bah, Humbug!’ than ‘Merry and Bright.’
In fact, Christmas cheer generates 80,000 visits to A&E each year with injuries ranging from fairy light mishaps to fistfights. So, let’s face it: Christmas doesn’t always mean relaxation.
In fact our principal Sundial chiropractor Matthew Bennett says, “We do notice a marked increase in patients coming in with aches and pains directly related to the Christmas holidays. Probably the biggest increase is in back pain associated with spending more time doing very little. We sit around watching television, eating and drinking and sometimes even a fair bit of stress.”
Stay Active, Avoid Stiffness
Overindulgence often pairs with inactivity, which only makes things worse. Sitting for hours binge-watching Christmas films or lounging after a big meal feels blissful at first but can cause your muscles and joints to seize up. Movement is key! Go for a brisk walk after dinner, play with the kids outside or even do gentle stretches while the kettle boils. Keeping active – even in short bursts – will ease tension, improve circulation and keep your back and body happier. Remember there are many ways to incorporate movement into your household routines – stair climbing for example!
Top Tips for Managing Back Pain
If you’re prone to back issues, plan ahead:
- Take Breaks: whatever you’re doing, take regular breaks to stretch and stand tall.
- Avoid Wrapper’s Neck: when wrapping presents or peeling the spuds, set yourself up at a table or counter to wrap, chop or stuff. Your head is heavy and if you stand in an unbalanced position, it puts a strain on your lower back and neck.
- Avoid Turkey Lifter’s Back: a big family turkey can weigh up to 24lb/11kg and getting it in and out of the oven is no small feat. If your oven is low-level, our chiropractor Matt Cunningham recommends going down on one knee or using a wide squatting stance. Aim to bend from the hips, keeping your back straight. The standard advice is to hold heavy items close to your body but a spitting-hot roast can present a problem here. Keep elbows to your sides and make sure you’re using a good heat-resistant apron and oven mitts.
- Stretch It Out: gentle stretches or yoga can do wonders for easing stiffness. Why not stretch along with some simple techniques in our video here
Remember, prevention is better than cure. If your back or muscles are feeling the worse for wear, consider booking in with us here at Sundial after the break. Keep moving, keep smiling, and give yourself the gift of self-care this Christmas. You deserve it!
Source
https://firstaidforlife.org.uk/the-twelve-mishaps-of-christmas/