Parties, gift shopping, family gatherings or just curling up to watch a favorite movie on the couch…. the holiday season is full of reasons for good cheer. And yet, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, it is also prime time for Americans to suffer from back and neck pain.

Holidays bring us happiness, but they also can bring us more stress which can cause more muscle tension and aggravate any existing condition…bringing on more pain. However, there are several things we commonly do during the holidays that can lead directly to back and neck pain. For instance wrapping gifts, shopping, cooking and entertaining.

The following are tips for the American Chiropractic Association that can help keep you from pain during the holidays.

While home or visiting family and friends…

Keep good posture while sitting with family and friends, or while watching TV and movies. Sit in a firm, yet comfortable chair, rather than spend hours slouched in an overly soft couch which causes imbalances in your spine.

Do not spend hours cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder because this creates muscle tension and neck pain. Don’t try to do everything at once (Don’t cook, clean, and talk on the phone) to protect your neck muscles.

As you are shopping:

Prevent muscle tension by wearing low-heeled, comfortable shoes and loose fitting clothing.

A heavy purse can put quite a strain on your back. Try a fanny pack or small purse with on your cash, credit card, driver’s license, and your keys of course.

Don’t hurt your back carrying too many heaving bags at once. You may need to take a few extra trips to your car but your back will thank you!

Shopping can be a strenuous activity so be sure to take care of yourself after a long day of shopping. Try a hot bath, stretch stiff muscles and give yourself time to rest.

-Wrap presents at a table. While spreading out on the floor may be fun and convenient, it encourages poor posture and tension.

Remember to relax and enjoy the holidays. Stick to your exercise routing, eat well and get enough rest. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family, and your back.

And if you do experience neck or back pain, be sure to fit an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic care into your busy schedule.

Learn more about chiropractors in Longmont, CO. Stop by Dr. Thomas Fritz’s site where you can find out all about preventing neck and back pain.

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