5 Chiropractic Tips for Holiday Decorating

By Brandi Swieter

Decorating during the holidays is a fun pastime for many, but it can spell disaster for others. Many people end up with sore necks, back pain, or worse due to incorrect posture and preventable mishaps that lead to falls and other dangerous situations. With some chiropractic tips for holiday decorating, anyone can become a master at handling this seasonal task.

Wear Sturdy Shoes Outdoors

Some people may throw on an old pair of boots and head outside to hang decorations around the home. While boots like these may keep the feet warm, they aren’t always the most sturdy when it comes to balancing on a ladder or roof. Sturdy tennis shoes may be the best bet for those who want to put up their decorations safely.

Avoid Excessive Bending

Too many people leave their decorations in a box, bending down numerous times in a row to pick up a new ornament. Rather than allowing all this excessive bending, decorators should get all their ornaments out at once and keep them at a normal height so they can be reached easily without having to lean down or over to grab them. This helps prevent back pain.

Take Regular Breaks

It can sometimes take hours or longer to fully decorate a home for the holidays. Many people hang up items both inside and out. It is important to take regular breaks after completing a section of the home so the body does not become overworked and stiff, which can lead to falls and mishaps.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Countless boxes of decorations are often found in the basement, attic, or other storage space within a home. The proper lifting techniques need to get utilized when getting these boxes into the right part of the house so decorating can begin. Bend at the knees and use the legs to lift, rather than putting all the focus on the back. It is also important to avoid twisting when trying to lift.

Drink Water

Decorators often focus their attention on getting the work done, failing to stop for water breaks. The body needs water to keep it hydrated and able to perform as well as possible. When breaks get taken in between rooms, it is necessary to drink some water as well so the body stays fueled and flexible for more work.

Anytime pain is experienced while decorating, visit The Joint Chiropractic for an assessment and adjustment. The doctors there can help to alleviate pain and return the body to normal so people can continue to celebrate the holidays. Extended hours during evenings and weekends ensure more people can get checked out when needed -- on their own schedule!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tucson, Ariz.