Unfortunately, back pain doesn’t take a holiday. In fact, increased stress and a change in activity level can sometimes make recurring back pain worse during the holiday season. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to better manage your back pain while crossing things off your never-ending “to-do” list.
Exercise often gets pushed to the back burner during the holiday season. For chronic back pain sufferers, foregoing regular exercise may be what’s actually causing increased discomfort. Consider making time for exercises that can also help you relax, including:
• Yoga
• Water therapy
• Slow stretching
If you have some time off during the holidays, schedule a few PT sessions to strengthen your back muscles. Oftentimes, therapists will suggest exercises you can perform at home to minimize pain between sessions.
When friends or family members seek suggestions on holiday gifts you may want, request a few books on back pain so you can read up on your condition. During your free time, browse online for reliable resources or watch videos that illustrate the causes of your type of back pain. Becoming better informed can help you know what activities will likely trigger discomfort.
It’s no secret that stress levels go up during the holiday season. Increased stress can also be a contributing factor to your back pain. While you may not be able to eliminate all stress while preparing for holiday meals or tracking down hard-to-find toys and games, you can still reduce holiday stress by:
• Getting help with some holiday duties
• Taking occasional breaks to relax and refresh
• Keeping your daily schedule manageable
Making an effort to reduce stress, get regular exercise, and maintain healthy eating habits by saying “no” to some holiday snacks with added sugar and starch, especially breads and cookies, are steps that often help keep chronic back discomfort in check. Should your back pain become more severe during the holiday season, however, schedule an appointment with you’re a board-certified back doctor to determine if there’s an issue that requires immediate attention.
If chronic pain is disrupting everyday life and affecting your ability to participate in enjoyable activities, it might be time to speak with a spine surgeon in Beverly Hills. An experienced spine surgeon can diagnose the source of your pain and discuss viable treatment options with you to help you find long-term relief. For more information, call The Spine Institute at (310) 828-7757 and schedule an in-person consultation today.