Christmas is here and many people in the Webster, Texas, area are getting ready to put up their Christmas lights. However, this can be a difficult task when you suffer from spine pain. Houston Physicians’ Hospital understands that you don’t want your spine pain to hold you back from your favorite holiday traditions, so we’ve listed some tips to protect your spine when putting up Christmas lights this season:
- Get Plenty of Rest
According to the Sleep Research Society (1), a lack of sleep is hypothesized to contribute to chronic pain. By getting plenty of sleep the night before you plan to hang your Christmas lights, you can ensure your body and spine are up to the task. This can help reduce pain on the spine when you’re reaching and climbing on ladders to hang your lights. In addition to getting plenty of sleep before hanging Christmas lights, you should also rest fully after hanging them to allow your spine to recuperate.
- Enlist Some Help
Enlist the help of family or friends when it comes time to hang Christmas lights. Not only can this make the task more exciting, it also allows the opportunity to take breaks when your spine pain is flaring up. When you are worried that a certain task may be too much for your back, ask for help. This can prevent any injuries to your spine and make hanging Christmas lights a bonding experience.
- Position Your Ladder Correctly
When using a ladder to hang your Christmas lights, make sure to position it properly. A ladder that is not angled correctly could lead to a fall that could injure your back and exacerbate your spine pain. According to the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department at Stephen F. Austin State University (2), a ladder should be placed at a 75-degree angle against the side of your home to be used safely and avoid falls.
- Take Frequent Breaks
While you may feel as though you can’t wait to get your Christmas lights hung and ready to light up your house, it is important to take breaks. This allows the body to release stress and tension that may build while reaching, tugging, and pulling on various items. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (3) recommends taking frequent breaks from activity, such as hanging Christmas lights, if you suffer from pain, swelling, or stiffness in the joints. This is especially important when your spine pain symptoms are bothering you, as continuing your activity could lead to injury or further pain symptoms.
Hanging Christmas lights is a popular holiday tradition, but it is important to protect your spine from further pain. If your spine pain is keeping you from your favorite activities, Houston Physicians’ Hospital can help. Give us a call at (832) 340-2134.