The Christmas countdown has begun and for many the rush to the shops is on. From purchasing gifts to getting in the extra groceries, shopping bags tend to be bigger and heavier at Christmas time.
Carrying and lifting often result in back problems, which is why we have put together tips for you to follow this Christmas time to help you avoid injury and to keep your back safe while you’re out there doing your Christmas shopping.
Here are our tips for you:
- Use a trolley for your shopping whenever you can, even if you are only intending to purchase a few items. A trolley minimises the amount of carrying you do and help you to prevent straining your neck and shoulder muscles. Always use a trolley to carry any large item.
- Remember to bend at the knees and keep your back straight whenever you lift a heavy item, especially one that is at floor level or on a low shelf. Keep this in mind even when you are taking a parcel delivery at your door!
- Distribute weight evenly between shopping bags. The will ensure that you can balance the weight of bags evenly when you are carrying them and avoid you putting your back at risk when carrying them.
- Do you know that a weight held at arm’s length can have the effect of being up to seven times heavier! Remember to keep heavy items and bags close to your body while you are carrying them.
- Take your bags back to your car at regular intervals before you have too many or use a shopping ‘crêche’ , to store your shopping , many shopping centres have these storage areas, especially during the Christmas season.
- Take regular breaks and keep hydrated while shopping.
Even online shopping carries risks – so if you’re planning to do your shopping online this year you want to follow our advice for keeping your back safe at your computer which you can find below.
If you are suffering back pain or neck pain then why not make an appointment with us and find out how we may help you.
Dylan Paydar at Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic
Committed to helping the health and well-being of people in North London
Including Muswell Hill, Finchley, Highgate and Southgate
Dylan Paydar at Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic