Protecting Your Back While Putting Up Halloween Decorations
Putting up holiday decorations can aggravate past injuries or cause new ones. It’s important to maintain proper posture to avoid injury and take care to avoid hurting your back or suffering from a fall. At Eldorado Chiropractic, our chiropractor Dr. Scott Dawson specializes in chiropractic back pain treatment in McKinney, TX. Here are his tips for protecting your back while putting up Halloween decorations.
Maintaining Proper Posture to Avoid Injury
If you’re going to be going up and down ladders, carrying heavy boxes of decorations, hunching over a table to decorate the perfect Jack O-lantern, or making Halloween crafts, you need to maintain proper posture to avoid injury to your back. Here are some tips:
- When sitting down, maintain a neutral spine and avoid hunching over, slouching your shoulders, looking down for extended periods of time, or sitting in odd positions.
- Take frequent breaks to stretch, walk around, and hydrate.
- Use tools that have padded handles and ergonomic designs.
- Wear appropriate footwear with arch support, padding, and a non-slip sole.
Using the Proper Technique When Lifting
Lifting heavy boxes or moving large, heavy decorations around can cause back pain or injury. Make sure to use the proper technique when lifting heavy items:
- Bend at your knees, rather than at your waist or back.
- Keep your back straight and use your core muscles while lifting.
- When walking with a heavy box or object, keep it close to your body and centered in front of you.
- Avoid twisting your body or spine when carrying something heavy.
- Take breaks to stretch.
Following Ladder Safety Rules
Follow ladder safety rules when you’re putting up decorations or getting out decorations from storage. A fall from a ladder can injure your spine, causing chronic or severe back pain. Here are some ladder safety tips:
- Use the right size and type of ladder for the job.
- Follow the instructions on the ladder regarding weight requirements and usage.
- Place the ladder on a flat, even, stable surface.
- Don’t go up onto a higher step that is absolutely needed.
- Maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
- Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
- If possible, have someone hold the ladder or spot you while you use it, especially if you are outside.
Getting Proper Treatment for a Hurt Back in McKinney, TX
If you did hurt your back while putting up Halloween decorations, or if you aggravated a chronic back injury, Dr. Dawson and our team at Eldorado Chiropractic can help. We specialize in drug-free, all-natural chiropractic back pain treatment. Call us now to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Back Pain
Holiday Care
