Chiropractic Tips for Carrying Presents to the Car

By Brandi Swieter

Whether someone has just purchased a ton of gifts to take home and wrap, or they’ve been to a holiday party and received a ton of items, carrying everything to the car will never be an easy feat. Carrying too many items at once can place a lot of strain on the back, so some tips need to be followed to ensure proper measures get taken. With a few chiropractic tips, carrying presents to the car during the holidays and any time of year thereafter will be made easier.

Lift With the Legs

Many people try to use the muscles in their back while lifting heavy items. This can put a lot of strain in that area and lead to serious pain if people aren’t careful. It’s far better to lift with the legs, starting out with knees bent and close to the ground to stand up straight and sturdy with the gifts.

Make Multiple Trips

While it may be ideal time-wise to get everything into the car in just one trip, it isn’t ideal for the body. Carrying too much at once can put far too much strain on the body. Multiple trips may be needed to take a few gifts at once to the car. It will ensure everything gets there safely and the person carrying the items doesn’t have too much in their hands at one time. It also prevents a tripping hazard as boxes won’t be piled high and into the face, causing a disturbance to vision.

Don’t Twist the Body While Lifting

Never twist when attempting to lift gifts or other items. The motion could cause pain -- sometimes immediate; that's because of the extra weight coupled with the twisting or turning motion. Even once the items are lifted and in the arms, it is still best to avoid twisting the body with a heavy load in tow. Save the goodbyes for before or after the gifts have been loaded, and don’t attempt to turn to speak to someone while getting it done.

Follow some chiropractic advice when carrying numerous gifts at once to save yourself some pain. Back and shoulder pain can set in easily if people aren’t careful with the way they hold and carry items, especially if they’re heavy. If you do experience back pain, visit The Joint Chiropractic for an adjustment that will return the body to normal feeling.

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