Avoiding Back Pain While Decorating for the Holidays

By Brandi Swieter

Holiday decorating may seem fun for many, but it can quickly lead to back and neck pain if people aren’t careful. It is best to use caution while decorating and following a few tips to ensure no pain gets experienced during the process. Certain methods are available for hanging up lights and other decor that will make the activity go smoothly without any side effects.

Make it a Two-Person Job

Too many people attempt to get the job of decorating done on their own. This workload can lead to pain quickly. It’s best to make it a two-person job, ensuring things get done quicker and just one person isn’t responsible for several hours of work. It’s also beneficial to have someone as a spotter when the ladder is in use, making sure it remains steady so it doesn’t wobble and fall off balance.

Consider a Back Brace

Back braces were designed to keep the back straight and limit the motion of the spine to prevent injuries. Many workers use it on the job to avoid strain while lifting heavy objects. Braces can be purchased from a sports or fitness store, and should be worn while doing any extensive work around the house. When a person will be spending their evening lifting boxes, going up and down the ladder, and hanging decorations, a brace should be considered to take pressure off the back.

Avoid Reaching

If people find themselves having to stretch and reach to hang a decoration, they are much too far away from the right position. Reaching like this can quickly lead to strain, so it should be avoided at all costs. It’s better to place the ladder near the location so the decor can get hung with ease rather than by stretching to make it work.

Have Decorations Ready

One of the worst things a decorator can do is twist and turn to try to grab a decoration they forgot. Even just a small twist can put strain on the back and cause severe discomfort. Have decorations ready instead, carrying one item at a time up the ladder to ensure no excess weight is carried around that will also cause problems. Go back down the ladder to get the next item rather than attempting to reach for it. Better yet, with a partner, the decoration can be handed to you.

Back pain can set in quickly, even while decorating for the holidays. With so much to still accomplish before Christmas arrives, many people cannot afford to have their back out during the season. Visit The Joint Chiropractic to receive an adjustment and learn additional tips on avoiding back pain to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.

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