People often neglect their health during the holidays and marriage season, engaging in strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects, bending for long periods of time, extensive kitchen preparation and travel. After the celebrations, these actions can lead to atrocious back pain.

Additionally, these intense back pains can interfere with your daily routine while stealing your peace of mind. To help you prevent discomfort, we have a few experts on board to share essential tips to incorporate into your wedding season routine.

Celebrate comfortably:

Along with the excitement and joy, the wedding season increases the risk of immense back pain. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Abhay Chhallani, Orthopedic Surgeon at Seawoods and Vashi, Navi Mumbai, shared, “From lifting heavy decorative boxes and spending hours cooking and preparing ingredients in the kitchen, to “Bending over to wrap gifts for your loved ones can have a negative impact on your back while causing discomfort.”

He added: “As the excitement and mood builds, people tend to neglect their posture and strain their backs. Experiencing intense back pain while others are experiencing it can ruin your mood. Back pain can give you a hard time, so you’ll have difficulty completing your daily tasks with ease. Amidst all the festivities, people are advised to take utmost care of their health, especially their backs, to ensure a joyful and stress-free experience.

Wedding seasons equal spending hours decorating your entire house, and it can be a tiring activity that puts undue strain on your back. Dr Abhay Chhallani advises: “Be careful when climbing a ladder or lifting decorative boxes. Use ladders or stools if necessary and avoid hunching your back; instead, move the table closer to the area you’re working with.

He adds, “Indulging in regular physical activities or exercises can be a good habit to stay healthy and fit. This can help you strengthen your back muscles to keep them flexible and thus prevent back pain or injury. One can try activities like walking, swimming, cycling, cardio, weight training and going to the gym.

Top tips to avoid back pain during celebrations:

Stating that good posture can be the key to managing back pain, Dr. Abhay Chhallani suggested, “Sitting in one place for a longer period of time while hunching or arching can lead to poor posture, back pain, reduced spinal flexibility and muscle tension. Use chairs with soft cushions that support your back for long periods of time. Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and sitting at the correct angle. People especially try to ace their dress game during the festive seasons. This includes wearing shoes like heels which can negatively impact the health of your feet, but also harm your posture and spine.

Cautioning that high heels or pencil heels can often lead to misalignment while putting undue strain on your back, Dr. Abhay Chhallani recommended: “Opt for comfortable shoes that provide soft cushioning and a good arch for the support. If your holiday plans involve traveling with family members or loved ones, be sure to prioritize your back health. Plan how you will handle long periods of sitting in one place or carrying your bags. Adjust your car seats for a comfortable posture and take frequent breaks every 3 to 4 hours for a good stretch.

During the festive and wedding season, putting pressure on your back leads to complications such as muscle strains, herniated discs and sciatica. Lending his expertise, Dr Girish Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai, advised, “It becomes crucial to take utmost care of your back amidst the celebrations. One must take proactive steps by prioritizing warm-up, using proper techniques for lifting heavy objects, and taking frequent breaks in between to relax. If you have a minor injury or strain, apply cold compression immediately to reduce inflammation. Also consider seeing a doctor if the pain persists for a prolonged period of time.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a health problem.