Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la …
It seems that every year Christmas decorations appear earlier and earlier. The stores have launched their TV adverts in the hope to be big winners, celebrities are posting photos of their decorations and shops have cleared their shelves of all things non-Christmas!
Must be time to dig out the Christmas decorations then! Before you do though, our chiropractors want to remind you that all this decorating can have an impact on your back. It’s surprising how much lifting, carrying, twisting and stretching is involved in getting your home Christmas ready!
Our chiropractors at Homewood Chiropractic Clinic have put together their top tips for keeping your back safe. After all you don’t want to find yourself suffering back pain over the festive season!
The Tree: You may be planning on buying a ‘real’ tree for Christmas. You may even be inclined to visit a Christmas tree farm and cut down your own! Trees can be heavy and awkward to carry and may involve some manoeuvres to get into your car or tie it to the roof of the car. Don’t be shy in asking for help with this. Make sure you have help at home to unload and get the tree set up.
The Decorations: Decorations are definitely getting more elaborate with many people now decorating both the inside and outside of their homes. Putting up the decorations can be fun so get the whole family involved and share the load. Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing which will allow you to move about freely.
You may need to use a ladder:
- Make sure it is planted securely so there is no chance that it will slip or wobble when you are up it. Better still have someone hold it in place.
- When using the ladder, always have your body facing the steps, keep your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.
- Never over stretch or over reach when using the ladder – always move it along into a better position
The Presents: Yes even present wrapping can take a toll on your back. Make sure you do your wrapping at a table or work top and definitely avoid sitting on the floor to do it as this will put a strain on your back.
Make sure to take regular breaks and do some simple stretches to loosen off.
Have fun with the Christmas decorating and follow our chiropractors’ advice to stay back pain free
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
