Most of us want to feel at our best during the holiday season.  Here are a few easy ways to avoid the discomfort and distraction of back pain during the merriest time of year.

Schedule maintenance appointments before the holiday rush

Almost all of us feel stress at some point during the holiday season when we realize that time is going by faster than we thought and we still have presents to wrap, parcels and cards to mail, meals to prepare and events to attend.  Suddenly, time is in short supply.

As well, many insurance plans re-set in the New Year.  That means that people who are on such plans are in a hurry to see their health care practitioners and make the most of their health insurance.

If you don’t already have your next maintenance appointment scheduled, it’s time to contact Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.

Maintenance care helps to keep your body in alignment.  Small concerns can be addressed before they become big problems.  Chiropractic care will help you to be at your best so taht you can make the most of the holidays.

In the holiday rush, take time to stretch

Doing stretches before you start an activity—including gift wrapping, shopping, and winter walking—will loosen up your muscles and joints.  Doing this minimizes the strain you put on those muscles and joints while you’re going about your activity.  If you do start to feel strain, take a break.

Wrap gifts on a supportive surface, like a table or counter

This year, avoid straining the discs in your lower back, aggravating back aches, and potentially pulling your muscles.  Instead of sitting on the floor to wrap your presents, support your spine by sitting at a table or desk in a comfortable chair.

Alternatively, use a waist level counter and wrap while standing.  Wear supportive shoes if you prefer to wrap standing up.  Whether sitting or standing, good posture is important.

Be cautious how much you carry

Whether you’re bringing decorations down frm the attic or shopping for gifts at the mall, remember that it’s better to take multiple trips than strain your back by trying to carry too much at once.  If you have shopping bags that are too heavy or bulky to carry easily, go back to the car to drop them off rather than trying to lug them around with you all afternoon.

Ask for help with oversized items like boxed artificial trees, or awkward items like strings of lights.  Use proper precautions on ladders and stepstools.  If you do have a fall, call your chiropractor right away.

The staff of Sheppard Chiropractic Centre wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!