Tis' the season for giving and spending precious time with loved ones during a magical time of year. Unfortunately, tis' also the season for back, neck and shoulder injuries. Let's review some of the potential dangers lurking this holiday season and how you can reduce your risk of injury.

All Boxes Are Not Created Equal

The culprit for back injuries is typically a smaller box that looks deceptively light because of its size. Don't fall for it! Lightly kick or push the box with your foot to determine how heavy it is before you commit to the lift. The lesson here is to take extra time to test the weight of an object before you lift. Every second counts.

Slippery Slopes Will Get You Every Time

Even if you don't live in an icy, cold environment, the first strategy should be to expect the unexpected. Become aware of your surroundings and become very intent with every movement. Doing balance exercises is also a great way to prevent falls.

It's a Long Way Down From Up There

Climbing up ladders or standing on stools/chairs to hang lights and decorations can be a dangerous adventure. Take special care to ensure all ladders are functioning properly and you have a "safety spotter" to help in stabilizing any device you are standing on.

Holiday Stretches Under the Mistletoe

When you become more sedentary, you inherently become less flexible. Your muscles shorten and become weak from inactivity, making you prone to injury. You can make significant improvements by stretching to increase the performance of your body. The better you move, the more resistant you become to injury.

Your chiropractor can tell you more about holiday health risks and suggest simple strategies to ensure an injury-free holiday season.

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