Cinco de Mayo is more than a colorful parade, festive music, and delicious food; it’s a true celebration of resilience and overcoming adversity. At Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we believe the same spirit of strength and perseverance is something we see in our patients as they accomplish milestone moments on their journey toward better spine health and overall wellness.
On this May 5th, as San Antonio embraces its rich cultural roots steeped in history and vibrant celebrations, let’s also take a moment to honor your health and wellness, particularly your neck, back, and spine, and the role they play in helping you live a full and active life.
Fiesta Without the Flare-Up: Protecting Your Spine During Celebrations
Whether you’re celebrating the festivities at Market Square, or grilling in the backyard with friends and family, it’s a good idea to keep your spine health at top of mind:
- Watch Your Posture While Standing: Extended hours on your feet during festivities may place excess strain on your lower back. Try to alternate between sitting and standing, and shift your weight between legs to ease the pressure.
- Lift with Care: Always be sure to lift with care. Whether you’re carrying coolers, chairs, or larger objects in general, you should always try to bend at the knees, not the waist. Use your legs to lift and keep objects close to your body to reduce the chances of excess strain on your core abdominal area, neck, back, or spine.
- Wear Supportive Shoes: We know, you want to dress your best for the festivities, but if you’re going to be on your feet for the majority of the day and night, walking long distances, dancing, or moving around quite a bit, you’ll want to opt for supportive and stylish footwear if possible to help protect your lower back and joints.
Spice Up Your Health—Responsibly
Cinco de Mayo is a time to indulge in classic Tex-Mex favorites, but certain foods can sometimes either help or worsen back pain.
- Add anti-inflammatory foods such as avocados, black beans, leafy greens, and even turmeric-based seasonings to help reduce joint and nerve inflammation.
- Limit excess alcohol and sugary drinks, as these types of beverages may worsen inflammation and slow recovery if you’re healing from a spinal injury or surgery.
- Stay hydrated, especially in the Texas heat, as proper hydration will help support disc health and keep your joints flexible.
Movement Is Medicine—Even on a Holiday
Movement and activity, when done safely, are great tools in maintaining spinal flexibility and muscle support. Moderate dancing, walking, or even stretching before heading to an event may help prevent stiffness and strain later on in the evening.
If you happen to be recovering from spinal surgery, or managing conditions such as sciatica or herniated discs, you should always consult with your physical therapist or medical provider prior to engaging in more intense activities.
A Time to Celebrate Resilience—Yours Included
Cinco de Mayo is a day to be celebrated. It marks the victory of beating the odds and coming out on top, and this is a story many of our patients can relate to: battling pain, undergoing surgery, and coming out stronger on the other side thanks to our amazing team of providers and medical staff. Each and every day, we’re privileged to witness the triumph of the human spirit through our patients’ success, and that’s always something worth celebrating.
If you’re managing a spinal condition, recovering post-operation, or simply trying to improve your neck, back, and spine health, know that Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants is here to help you live your best life, pain-free and empowered, 365 days a year.
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo, San Antonio!
Stay safe, have fun, and remember—your spine health deserves to be celebrated, too.