The Holidays are coming and so are all the fun activities included! From gift giving, decorating trees, parties, to decorating all around the house, the holidays can be a major source for our clients to develop lower back pain. Here are some insights as to why we see these injuries go up and how you can fix them!

1. Increased Physical Activity:

During the holiday season, people may engage in activities that they don't typically do, such as decorating, shopping, or traveling. This increase in physical activity, combined with poor posture or lifting techniques, can contribute to lower back pain. Being strong and active in the first place can help: call our Wells Physical Therapy team in Naples and Ponte Vedra Beach to help you get a plan started! Our team of expert Doctors of Physical Therapy can help teach you ideal lifting techniques and postures.

2. Stress and Tension:

The holiday season can be stressful for many individuals due to various reasons such as planning events, financial concerns, or family obligations. Stress and tension can manifest physically, leading to muscle tightness and discomfort in the lower back. PT and exercise can help you relieve stress as well as relax those tight muscles. Furthermore our team is trained in dry needling, a technique that helps to relieve tight muscles and triggers points.

3. Sedentary Behavior:

On the other hand, some people may experience more sedentary behavior during the holidays, such as sitting for extended periods during gatherings or long car trips. Prolonged sitting can contribute to lower back pain. Our team frequently educate our clients about taking standing breaks and leveraging technology as helpful reminders to break up the sitting.

4. Sleep Disruptions:

Changes in routine, travel, or hosting guests may disrupt regular sleep patterns. Poor sleep can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate existing back pain. Sleep alterations affect the immune system and pain response. As such, our Naples and Ponte Vedra based physical therapists provide our clients with evidenced-based tips on improving sleep.

5. Cold Weather:

Particularly in Ponte Vedra and for those in Naples traveling north , the holiday season coincides with colder weather. Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract and tighten, potentially leading to discomfort in the lower back. Stay warm and use adequate dynamic warm-up exercises before lifting, skiing, or going to the gym.

We hope these tips help you to stay moving safely during Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year! Feel free to call us at 9O4-568-1156 for a phone consultation for PT in the Naples, Bonita Springs, Palm Coast, Saint Augustine, and Ponte Vedra areas.

#backpain #PT #physicaltherapy #Naples #PonteVedra #BonitaSprings

Image credits: Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photograph-of-a-person-hiding-gifts-6518867/