| | Hi Friend,
You’ve got enough going on these holidays to be worrying about low back pain. The last thing you need is to flare up your low back pain with the in-laws coming over. So, before you grab that shovel and head for the driveway snow or hang those Christmas lights, let’s explore some tips to avoid flaring up low back pain over the holidays. (You gotta see our corny video on this blog! I really hammed it up this time. Plenty of groaners in this one!)
Despite the fact that the holidays are supposed to be a time for reflection and gratitude, many of our patients regularly express how stressed they are during this time of year! This typically means that people are in a rush to get as many things done as possible before the company arrives for the holidays.
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| | | Tip #1 To Avoid Flaring Up Low Back Pain: Use Both Sides Of Your Body!
There are two things that come to mind here: Lifting or holding small children, and shoveling snow. Repeated strain on the same side will create muscle imbalances and cause you to be more prone to flaring low back pain. We know it takes more thought, but pausing for a moment and switching away from your dominant side may help prevent flare ups of low back pain. |
| | | Tip #2 To Avoid Flaring Up Low Back Pain: Slow Down! (Just a little bit!)
A long list of chores typically means you might feel pressured to “check the next thing” off your list as fast as possible. That’s completely understandable. However, it means you also may be less mindful of how you’re using your body. You might twist your back or bend in a way that you know isn’t right.
Rushing through chores at home (particularly snow shoveling, or lifting heavy boxes) may cause you to over-reach or strain a muscle in your back or hips. We’re not suggesting that you complete your chores at a snail’s pace, just take a quick second to think about what you're about to do- whether it be lifting a heavy Amazon box off the porch, or scooping that last shovel-full of snow from the driveway. Your back will thank you. (So will your family since you won’t be so grumpy about your low back pain!)
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| | Tips #3-5 are often overlooked by almost everyone and are the most important. To continue reading, click here. |
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| | Dr. Chris Sovey, DPT, RN, BSN Phone: 616-803-9829 |
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