Did you know that back problems become more common over the festive season? According to our Southend chiropractor, people push all of their physical and emotional boundaries within a range of intensive behaviours at Christmastime. And last minute Christmas shopping is one of the most frequent culprits for back pain.
At some point or another, most of us have been guilty of leaving our gift buying until the very last minute. Even though every time we do it, we vow never to do it again, another year passes and we find ourselves on yet another Christmas Eve hurtling through the aisles quicker than Santa shoots down our chimneys. Then, when we’ve finally managed to tick off our shopping lists, we trek for what seems like 170 miles back to our cars with half of Toys R Us in tow! And finally to top off an already back-busting trip, we spend our journey home on standstill; gridlocked between the masses of other regretful people who have also left their shopping until the last minute.
It’s little wonder why our backs are prone to injuries at Christmastime!
Fortunately, our Southend chiropractor has some great tips to avoid straining your back while Christmas shopping:
- Balance the weight of shopping bags evenly in each hand or use a shopping trolley.
- When standing in long queues queues, shift your weight from foot to foot.
- Walk with your stomach in and hips tucked slightly under. Use natural strides, allowing each foot to roll from heel to toe in a smooth motion.
- Where sensible, wear flat shoes that provide ample support.
- Don’t leave your Christmas shopping until the last minute! Make several small trips rather than one major over-loaded shopping spree.
- Ask a shop assistant for help with any heavy or awkward items.
- It can be difficult to find a parking space at Christmastime, so arrange for someone to drop you off or pick you up.
- Allow yourself time to take frequent rest breaks.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Do your gift wrapping sitting down at a table rather than standing and bending over it or kneeling on the floor.
- Keep an eye out for any icy or slippery surfaces.
Stay organised, stay healthy and have a fantastic Christmas!