The holidays are here and we’re here to help you navigate through certain situations and scenarios so you can enjoy your upcoming holidays to the maximum level. Read on to learn more about how you can prevent injuries to your neck, back, and spine by following the easy tips below. Make this holiday one to remember and ensure your neck, back, and spine are kept safe and sound.
Avoid Heavy Lifting
This should go without saying, yet you should never lift something which is beyond your general capacity in terms of weight. We all know our limits and you’ll certainly know what’s “too heavy” for you to lift and what’s “slightly heavier”. We’re suggesting you should never go beyond your capabilities and listen to your body, as you know YOU best. Be safe and rational when moving heavier objects and you’ll ost likely prevent a lot of issue from occurring later on.
If You Can’t Avoid Heavy Lifting, Learn How to Lift Properly with the Help of Others
If you must lift a heavier object such as a christmas tree, a giant pumpkin, or multiple frozen turkeys; be sure to ask for help so you can protect your neck, back, and spine. We’re meant to work together as a team when it comes to lifting heavy objects, so don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member for assistance if you feel as though you need it. You’ll thank yourself later if you have the proper assistance from a couple of people and you lift with your knees, NOT your back.
Avoid Overindulging in Alcohol to Help Prevent Accidents
Alcohol-related accidents are typically much more common around the holidays as it’s a time where people like to overindulge a bit and may end up making some poor decisions. Don’t be one of those people. First off, avoid drinking too much in the first place, as nobody enjoys a hangover. Secondly, never step behind the wheel of any moving vehicle or operate any machinery if you’ve had any alcoholic beverages. If you follow these steps, you may end up not only saving your back, neck, and spine from injury; you may end up saving your life and the lives of others. Enjoy the holidays responsibly.
Enjoy the Festive Food, Yet Realize Your Limits
Everyone loves the holiday food selection. There’s no question about that. What we need to watch out for is the excess holiday weight gain. If you end up eating as though it’s thanksgiving every day leading up until New Year’s Eve, you may end up with more weight gain than you bargained for. With added weight on the body comes added stress to your back, neck, and spine. While the effects of weight gain may not be felt for some time, it’s important to remember to try to stay as fit and within a healthy weight as possible to further prevent issues from occurring in the future.
Avoid Passing Out on the Couch
After a large, delicious meal, we all may be tempted to pass out on the couch; yet couches often lack the comfort and support of our actual beds. Some individuals may even experience aches and pains the following day from sleeping on the couch as most couches are simply not designed to support you as your mattress does. Make your best effort to avoid sleeping on the couch, no matter how tired you may be. Your future self in the morning will thank you.
Be Careful When Participating in Wintertime Sports
Wintertime sports are so much fun! Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating; you name it. They’re all a blast, yet you should always know your limits when participating in these types of sports due to the fact there’s an added hazard embedded within each activity, snow and ice. When you add the snow and ice to these activities, you increase the potential for a slip and fall accident to occur. Just be aware of this factor and you should be a-okay as long as you don’t go beyond your normal skill level.
Reach Out to Us Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Neck, Back, & Spine Pain
If you’ve been experiencing any neck, back, or spine pain and would like to be seen by one of our amazing specialists here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, reach out to us down below! We’ll be sure to have your visit scheduled as soon as possible and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.