Thanksgiving Back Pain: Tips to Avoid It and What to Do If You Get It

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, lots of food. While it’s definitely a time to enjoy yourself, it’s also important to be mindful of potential back pain. Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is a common time for people to experience back pain. This can be due to a variety of reasons – from sitting in awkward positions at the dinner table to lifting heavy objects. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to avoid Thanksgiving back pain as well as what to do if you unfortunately experience back pain this holiday.

Back Pain Symptoms

Back pain is a common symptom of everything from the flu to birth defects. However, this irritation can take the form of symptoms such as:

• Inflammation centered in the lower back (lumbar), neck (cervical), and mid-back (thoracic) regions
• Stiffness along the spine or in the muscles surrounding it
• Pops, cracks, and other noises or sensations when you move after resting
• Pain that is worse or better after resting
• Pain that is worsened or improved by exercise
• Spasms throughout the back that make it hard to stand, sit, or even lie down
• Numbness

Thanksgiving Back Pain: Tips to Avoid It

1. Make sure to take regular breaks from sitting. Instead of resting for long periods of time at the dinner table, take a few minutes every hour or so to stand up, stretch your legs and walk around the house. This will help prevent muscle stiffness and soreness in your back and neck.
2. Be conscious of your posture. When you are sitting down for extended periods of time, make sure to sit up straight and keep your weight distributed evenly. Poor posture can lead to back aches and discomfort.
3. Lift heavy objects with caution. If you have to lift a big pot or pan when cooking Thanksgiving dinner, make sure to use proper lifting techniques to avoid causing any damage to your back.
4. Stay active. Exercise is a great way to reduce back pain and tension. Before sitting down for the big dinner, take a few minutes to go for a walk or do a few stretches which can help relieve pressure on your spine and improve mobility in your joints.

When Does Back Pain Become Chronic?

If you experience Thanksgiving back pain that doesn’t go away after a few days, it may be time to seek medical help. Back pain can become chronic if left untreated, leading to further complications such as herniated discs and nerve damage. It is always recommended to consult your doctor if you are experiencing persistent back pain for more than two weeks. Signs of chronic back pain include:

• Difficulty sleeping due to pain.
• Weakness or numbness in the legs.
• Pain that radiates down one or both of your legs.
• Loss of flexibility and range of motion.
• Persistent, intense pain that is difficult to manage with over-the-counter medications.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

What To Do If You Get Thanksgiving Back Pain

1. Take pain medication. If you experience any discomfort or pain, taking over the counter medications can help alleviate the symptoms.
2. Practice relaxation techniques. Focusing on your breathing and using guided imagery can be effective in relieving back tension and reducing stress levels which can help to reduce pain.
3. Use a heating pad. Applying heat to the affected area can help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation which in turn can soothe pain.
4. See a doctor. If your back pain persists for more than a few days, it may be time to go see your physician for further evaluation and treatment options.

Back Pain Treatment Options

For many decades, people had to choose from pain killers or surgeries to stop back pain. The advancement of spinal treatments and the spread of chiropractic care now provides many more options that don’t come with so many side effects and risks. We help Austin area patients with treatments like:

• Electrical stimulation to calm irritated or damage nerves
• Spinal alignment therapy to straighten out slipped vertebrae and relieve pressure on discs
• Recommendations for braces or other support appliances to protect the back during activities that put it at risk
• Steroid shots to reduce pain in one specific area
• Surgery should only be considered as a last resort, and when it’s absolutely necessary.

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you’re dealing with Thanksgiving back pain, or any other sort of chronic ache or discomfort, the team at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center is here to help. Our treatment plans are designed to address your individual needs and provide long-lasting relief. Contact us today to get started!