No one wants to experience back pain on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is for family, friends, and delicious food. But with all the food that needs to be cooked and people milling about, back pain is a real problem that you may experience.
Thanksgiving may look a little different for some this year. Whether you’re planning to celebrate with only the people in your household, over a video call with extended family, or in an outdoor space, we’ve compiled a short list of tips to keep back pain away on Thanksgiving.
Watch Your Posture
Practicing correct posture is important every day, but on Thanksgiving you may forget in all of the festivities. Back pain can arise when you’re hunched over the cutting board, leaning against the wall, or slouching at the table.
The characteristics of good posture listed below are true whether you’re seated or standing.
- Head facing forward with your chin parallel to the floor
- Even shoulders
- Neutral spine (allowing your spine to maintain its natural curves)
- Arms by your side
- Even hips
- Feet pointing forward with weight evenly distributed
You Might Also Like: Scary Facts About Poor Posture
Take Breaks
We know how hard it is to tear yourself away when preparing a feast of that magnitude, but if you enlist help it’ll be easier to manage. Let someone take over kitchen duty for 10 minutes every hour or so and allow yourself time to breathe. Don’t have anyone you trust in the kitchen? Plan your food prep to allow for small breaks instead.
Get Active
Daily activity is an important part of any day and Thanksgiving doesn’t change that fact. Take a walk around the neighborhood after you eat. Doing so might even help wake you out of that post-turkey slump and help you digest all of the goodies.
Nap Smart
If getting active didn’t help wake you up, you’re probably looking for a couch to nap on. Instead of sinking into the couch, opt for a bed. Can you remember the last time you woke up from a nap on the couch without any pain?
Most people don’t sleep in a healthy position for their spine on the couch, which is why we recommend curling up in bed instead.
We hope that these tips help to keep your back pain away on Thanksgiving. From everyone here at Nebraska Spine Hospital, we wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!