Why Does My Back Hurt During the Holidays?

The holiday season is filled with family gatherings, travel, shopping and celebrations. Unfortunately, it can also be a time when back pain becomes more noticeable. If your back seems to hurt more during the holidays, changes in routine, increased physical activity and added stress may be to blame.

Holiday Activities Can Strain Your Back
Many holiday traditions involve tasks that put extra stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. Lifting boxes of decorations, carrying shopping bags, wrapping gifts and preparing meals can require repetitive movements.

These activities may strain muscles and joints, particularly if your body is not accustomed to the increased workload. Even standing for long periods while cooking or entertaining can lead to lower back discomfort.

Using proper lifting techniques and taking breaks during physically demanding activities can help reduce your risk of injury.

Travel Can Increase Discomfort
Holiday travel often means spending hours sitting in a car or airplane. Extended periods of sitting can
place added pressure on the lower back and cause muscles to tighten.

Whenever possible, take time to stand, stretch and walk during your trip – even for a few minutes at a time. Small movements throughout the day can help reduce stiffness and improve comfort.

Stress Can Make Pain Worse
The holidays can be busy and stressful. Financial pressures, packed schedules and hosting responsibilities
can all contribute to tension.

When stress levels rise, muscles often become tight, especially in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Combined with changes in sleep habits and fewer opportunities for exercise, stress can add to existing pain.

When to Seek Treatment
Occasional soreness is common, but persistent pain should not be ignored. If your pain lasts for several
weeks, radiates into your arms or legs, or interferes with daily activities, it may be time to seek
professional care.

Early evaluation can help determine the source of your symptoms and identify treatment options before
the condition worsens.

Non-Surgical Pain Relief Options
Many causes of back pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment options may include physical therapy, targeted exercise programs, osteopathic manipulative treatment, image-guided injections and non-opioid pain management strategies.

As a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Ariean Loo-Hernandez focuses on minimally invasive treatments for neck, back and joint pain, as well as non-narcotic pain management solutions that help patients improve function and return to the activities they enjoy.

Enjoy the Holidays With Less Pain
Back pain does not have to keep you from enjoying time with family and friends. Staying active, being careful how you move and seeking treatment when needed can help you stay active throughout the season without discomfort.

If back or neck pain is affecting your daily activities, the team at Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics &
Sports Medicine can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariean Loo-Hernandez by calling
448.227.7200 or requesting an appointment online.