Protect Your Back While Decorating

By Donna Stark

Between the trainers walking around on the floor, your friends standing beside you, and the mirrors attached to every open wall, it's easy to stay focused on your safety while lifting weights in the gym, isn't it? But that's where those safety nets end because more than likely, you don't have them at home. And if you aren't careful while pulling those holiday decorations out from the garage, basement, or attic, you could be seriously injured! Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of injury, and the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want to share them with you below.

Protect Your Back While Decorating

Even if you had mirrors lining the walls of your garage, would you be able to check your form with all the containers of holiday decorations stacked on top of one another right in front of them? Probably not! So instead, you have to stay focused on the proper lifting techniques when it comes time to move them! Here are a few suggestions that your local chiropractors recommend.

• Remove obstacles and clear all pathways before you begin
• Use a step ladder to reach the higher items and hand them down to someone below you
• Stand directly in front of the item you wish to move, don't attempt a "twist to the side" pickup
• Position your feet squarely on the floor, shoulder-width apart
• Bend at your knees, not your back
• Keep the object close to your body for even weight distribution
• Use your leg muscles to slowly return to a standing position
• Avoid any unnatural twisting or jerking of your body as you move the object
• Save yourself a trip to the doctor by asking family members to help

Routine Chiropractic Care

In addition to the suggestions above, the adjustments you receive from your local chiropractors can also help reduce the risk of holiday injuries that often occur while decorating. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help keep everyone safe by delivering the following benefits.

• Supports optimal function of the body's joints
• Increases range of motion and flexibility
• Improves balance, coordination, and stability
• Reduces muscle tension and strain

Routine chiropractic care can deliver everything you need to safely pull out those lights, trees, garlands, and inflatable reindeer, so come on in for an adjustment today! With more than 500 locations nationwide and convenient hours, it couldn't be any easier to make your house the brightest and most festive one on the street!

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