Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: December 29, 2025
The holiday season is upon us, and while we’re told that the season is supposed to be merry and bright, many people find that their holiday season is made more difficult because of new or worsening back pain. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that back pain can develop or worsen during the hectic holiday season because there are so many potential triggers lurking around every corner. In today’s blog, we’re going to spotlight five ways that the holiday season can contribute to back pain, and how to avoid these triggers this year.
How The Holidays Can Be Hard On Your Back
The holiday season can be hard on your spine, especially if you’re not aware of some of the seasonal risk factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the seasonal risk factors for back pain during the holidays.
- Stress – Many people don’t realize the physical toll that mental and emotional stress can have on your body. Stress can impact our posture, lead to prolonged muscle tension and cause us to turn towards unhealthy habits, like stress eating, all of which can serve to ignite or worsen back pain. You need to find ways to avoid stress or find healthy outlets for it when it manifests during the holiday season (and it will manifest). Dive into an exercise routine, do some deep breathing exercises or read a chapter or two of your favorite book. It’s imperative that you find healthy ways to manage stress during the holiday season, otherwise your spine can suffer.
- Decorating – Decorating for the holiday season can also be hard on your spine. Getting up on a ladder to string lights up on the house leads to countless ER visits every year when people suffer significant falls. Chopping down your own Christmas tree and getting it set up in your house can also take a physical toll on your health. Always have someone there to support the ladder if you’ll be climbing to decorate for the season, and practice proper lifting techniques if you’ll be hauling a tree or moving presents or other heavy boxes.
- Slip And Fall Injuries – Slip and fall injuries tend to peak in the winter, especially in a place like Minnesota where we oftentimes have snow and ice on the ground for a good portion of the season. Be aware of where you’re stepping to avoid slick patches as best you can, and also invest in winter boots that provide better traction on slippery surfaces. Try to remove snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks as best you can so that you’re less likely to end up slipping on an ice patch.
- Too Much Rest And Relaxation – We talked about how stress can be a major contributor to back pain, but the other side of the coin can be just as bad. If you’re one of those people who likes to stay inside when the weather gets cold, know that this sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of back pain. Your body craves activity and movement, and if you become a bit of a hermit during the colder seasons, it’s easier to pack on the pounds and develop some back discomfort. The holiday season can also be a time when we eat and drink a little more merrily, and these extra calories, combined with less activity, are a recipe for weight gain and back pain. Find ways to stay active during the cold winter months.
- Holiday Travel – Many people also do a fair amount of traveling during the holiday season. Whether you’re driving upstate or flying across the country, extended time in a seated position during travel can be hard on your back. Focus on having ideal posture when forced to sit for hours, and take advantage of any opportunity to stand up and stretch when a moment arises. If you’re traveling by vehicle, leave a little earlier so that you can take a pit stop or two to stretch your body and shake out some of the static tension that has been building up on your muscles during the drive.
If you’re having trouble overcoming spinal discomfort during the holiday season, call in a professional for assistance. Dr. Sinicropi and his team can diagnose your pain and develop an individualized solution for your needs. For more information, reach out to the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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