Are You Dreading Hanging the Christmas Lights?
By Virginia Laird
Tangled, mangled strands of Christmas lights may be in your near future. There is nothing worse than getting excited about lighting up the house for Christmas, only to dig out the lights and find them in a serious tangled disaster. You know, the kind that feels like it may take days to undo. Once you have managed to straighten out the wad of lights, it is time to test them and make sure they work, then begin replacing the bulbs that do not. This is another nightmare that accompanies the joy of having a beautifully decorated home during the holidays. Finally, after all the prep work, it is time to hang the lights. This can be the cause of much stress and pain. Chiropractors have offered several tips to help prevent back and neck pain while hanging the strands of lights on display, including:
- Know where to put the ladder
- Find help and take turns
- Take frequent breaks
- Visit your chiropractor
Know Where to Put the Ladder
Knowing how to adjust the ladder can decrease the chances of having pain. Many assume the best place for the ladder is immediately under the location that needs to be reached. This positioning may have the user looking and reaching directly overhead. Chiropractors suggest this position is a certain way to cause pain. They recommend having the ladder positioned so the reach is in front of the body. This keeps the neck in a more normal position and the arms reaching forward rather than overhead.
Find Help and Take Turns
It is wise when taking on a feat such as hanging Christmas lights to get some help. Although many would rather believe help is not needed, having someone assist can prevent pain and injury. Taking turns crawling up the ladder to hang lights can offer a nice break for your back.
Take Frequent Breaks
There is no reason to hurry on a project as large as hanging the Christmas lights, especially if you are getting started early. Chiropractors suggest making time for taking breaks. This can offer you the ability to stretch and release tension that may be building from working on the task.
Visit Your Chiropractor
Visiting the chiropractor routinely can help manage and prevent pain in the back muscles and the spine. As the back is put under stress, the spin can shift to a position which restricts function. Chiropractors advise this can be the culprit of pain and can impact your health in a variety of other ways. Maintaining good spinal health has been linked to good overall health.
To get started on your personalized pain management plan, stop by The Joint Chiropractic in your community. With more than 390 locations nationwide there is certain to be one near you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Diego, Calif.