How to Prevent Holiday Back Pain

The holidays can cause back pain in a number of ways. Travel, hanging lights, putting up a Christmas tree, playing in the snow with the kids, these are all tough on your back. Here are some tips on how to ease the pain and prevent it in the future.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Always bend your knees and lift with your legs when lifting heavy presents, the bicycle you just assembled, or snow chains for the car. Your knees will take the shock out of the lifting.

2. Use a step ladder when putting the star on-top of the tree. You may pull a muscle straining to reach otherwise.

3. Be careful when picking up little ones, too. Remember, squat down with your legs and push up when lifting.

4. If you have to sit for long times at a relatives' home or in the car it is good to stop and stretch from time to time to relieve muscle tightness that can lead to pain.

5. If you have back pain you can usually get rid of the pain with heat. There are some great self-adhesive strips on the market that can be applied to the back and they heat themselves. Or, you could go the old fashioned route and use a heating pad that plugs in.

Tips & Warnings

• If your back pain doesn't get better then you should consult with your doctor.
• Sometimes back pain can be a sign of a more serious condition such as a kidney infection.