How to Protect Your Back This Holiday Season
The holidays bring long days on your feet, heavy shopping bags, hours in the car, and less sleep than usual. For a lot of people, that shows up as a stiff neck, a sore lower back, or tight shoulders by the end of December.
At Randour Chiropractic, we see the same pattern every year: people put off dealing with discomfort until after the holidays. A few small habits, and getting checked before things build up, can make the season a lot more comfortable.
How the Holidays Affect Your Body
Holiday stress isn't only mental. Common physical complaints this time of year include:
Neck and shoulder tension from shopping, wrapping, and decorating
Low back soreness from lifting boxes and standing in the kitchen
Stiffness after long drives to visit family
Old aches that flare up when you're busier and more tired than usual
Simple Habits That Help
Lift with your legs. Bend at the knees and hips, keep packages close to your body, and avoid twisting while carrying something heavy.
Shovel smart. Push snow when you can instead of lifting and throwing it, and take breaks, especially during the first snowfall.
Use a step stool. Use a sturdy stool, not a chair, when hanging lights or reaching high shelves.
Carry bags evenly. Split the weight between both hands rather than loading one shoulder.
Shift your stance. When standing in the kitchen, rest one foot on a low step and switch sides now and then.
Move every hour. A couple of minutes of walking or gentle stretching helps, especially on long travel days.
Check your sleep setup. Your pillow should support your head, not your shoulders, and try not to fall asleep twisted on the couch.
Drink water. Holiday schedules make it easy to skip.
When to Get Checked
Many patients find it helpful to come in before the busiest weeks rather than waiting until after the holidays. Call us if you notice:
Pain that's getting worse instead of better
Numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
Back or neck pain that makes sleeping or standing difficult
Headaches that are becoming more frequent
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait until after the holidays to see a chiropractor?
You don't have to. If something is bothering you now, getting it evaluated early is usually easier than waiting until it affects your plans.
Do you see new patients in December?
Yes. Both our Carnegie and McDonald offices welcome new patients throughout the holiday season. Call ahead for availability around the holidays.
Serving Carnegie, McDonald, and the South Hills Since 1942
Randour Chiropractic has helped Pittsburgh-area families stay active through every season for more than 80 years. If your back or neck needs attention this holiday season, Dr. Jim Goodge and Dr. Adam Robison are here to help.
Carnegie: 412-279-4040
McDonald: 724-926-2131
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for an individual evaluation.
