Protect Your Back while Decorating for Christmas
The turkey won’t be the heaviest thing you lift as we prepare for Christmas. It is a rare sight to see snow or ice in south Louisiana, but many of the holiday traditions we celebrate could spell disaster for your back.
Decorations are fun to look at and set up, but the heavy boxes, and climbing on ladders could land you with something worse than coal in your stockings… you could end up with a back injury.
If you are already struggling with back pain, you could be at an even higher chance of a herniated disc.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR BACK WHEN LIFTING
Remember what mom always said, lift with your legs.
- Spread your feet to make sure they are shoulders-width apart.
- NEVER bend down to lift something, instead squat down bending your hips and knees.
- Make sure, when you lift yourself back up to keep good posture, keep your back straight and look straight forward. Lift yourself slowly.
- Hold the box close to your body, and never lift it higher than your shoulders.
- As you walk, keep your shoulders back, and navigate your body with your feet.
- When you are ready to set the box down, squat down with your hips slowly and set the box down.
When you use your back to lift a box, especially something heavy, could lead to muscle strains of even tears. You also run the risk of a slipped disc or herniated disc.
If you think you could have injured your back, contact AVALA Spine at 985-400-5778 for an appointment.
