Enjoy Your Holiday Season Pain-Free

By Brandi Goodman 

There's often too much to do throughout the holiday season so we scramble to get it all accomplished. This can quickly lead to backaches, shoulder pain, and all-around discomfort. You can enjoy your holiday season pain-free by considering some pain management tips as you attempt to get your tasks completed.

Stand to Wrap

Wrapping presents may still be on your task list. Many people wait until Christmas Eve to get them all accomplished so the kids don't find them. Even when wrapping gifts for other occasions, it's important to consider your posture while doing so. It's best to stand to wrap so you aren't sitting at the table, or worse -- the floor -- hunched over or having to reach far to grab the supplies you need. Keep everything right in front of you so it's easier to get the job done.

Use Lumbar Support

Much of your holidays may be spent driving. You may have to drive to various stores to get all your shopping accomplished. Perhaps you'll be going on vacation or simply heading to see family. All that time spent in the vehicle can lead to back pain. You should use a lumbar support pillow behind your back so you can avoid lower back discomfort. Be sure to stretch before and after a long drive as well so you're keeping your spine flexible and preventing stiffness.

Prepare for Cooking

You don't want to spend hours in the kitchen cooking your holiday meal. It's important to prepare beforehand so you have some things ready. It will help you to minimize your time in the kitchen so you don't get fatigued or sore doing the same repetitive motions and tasks. Dice vegetables a couple days in advance and bake your desserts the day before. It's also wise to avoid hunching over while you chop or mix things and stand on a mat when cooking at the stove for a while. You'll prevent pain in your back and legs by doing so.

Always be wary of the way you're doing things so you don't end up hurting yourself. You need to be careful with your movements so you don't put your body in harm's way. Just one minor slip, fall, bump, or other mishap can leave you feeling sore for days. Enjoy your holiday season pain-free by keeping this in mind.

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