In the holiday season, most of the physical stress will come down to driving long distances (sitting), and lifting heavy things. Sure, there will be the occasional bumps to the head and drunken stumbles, but let's just focus on the common things.
Driving long distances and sitting. When it comes to driving, it is always a good idea to take a break every hour or two. This will allow you to get out and move around or stretch a bit. This will help you wake up and refresh you spine.
Sitting inactive while driving can really wear on a spine. Here is one of my favorite things to help that out, the back vitalizer. This is a cool little air bladder that allows you to actively sit in your seat. You can use it at work and/or you can use it while you drive. You can either buy 2 of them and place
one under your bum and one behind your low back, or just get one and switch it back and forth every hour or so.
By the way, when you're driving and you hit traffic, remember to breathe.
Lifting heavy things. What is the first step when you are going to lift something heavy? Most people say, "Bend your knees." This is a pretty good answer, but I always say that the first step is to assess the situation. Use your brain before your back. How heavy is it? Should I get help first? Is there a tool I can use to make this easier on me?
Then, bend at the knee, engage your core and smoothly lift it. Do your best to never bend and twist when lifting. Discs hate this.
Also, here is an interesting one to consider. Poop before you lift. A full colon can weaken the low back and set you up for a blow-out. Bet you didn't see that tip coming.
Have a great holiday season. Look for our Holiday Detox Workshop coming January 11th.
Driving long distances and sitting. When it comes to driving, it is always a good idea to take a break every hour or two. This will allow you to get out and move around or stretch a bit. This will help you wake up and refresh you spine.
Sitting inactive while driving can really wear on a spine. Here is one of my favorite things to help that out, the back vitalizer. This is a cool little air bladder that allows you to actively sit in your seat. You can use it at work and/or you can use it while you drive. You can either buy 2 of them and place
one under your bum and one behind your low back, or just get one and switch it back and forth every hour or so.
By the way, when you're driving and you hit traffic, remember to breathe.
Then, bend at the knee, engage your core and smoothly lift it. Do your best to never bend and twist when lifting. Discs hate this.
Also, here is an interesting one to consider. Poop before you lift. A full colon can weaken the low back and set you up for a blow-out. Bet you didn't see that tip coming.
Have a great holiday season. Look for our Holiday Detox Workshop coming January 11th.
1 comment:
That was a fun factoid about a full colon weakens the back. Makes total sense. Thanks!
Post a Comment