Holiday Stress Raises Health Challenges, Chiropractors Caution

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) issued a November 23, 2009 release to help people deal with the holiday stress. The ICA opens the release by noting that with the holiday season underway and increasing the tempo of daily demands, it is important to your good health to observe some simple guidelines to reduce the stress and strain of this busy time.

One of the recommendations the ICA makes is to use good judgment when it comes to food. "The process of making healthy choices in both quality and quantity may help prevent an unhealthy scenario as you make your way through this holiday season."

Dr. Gary L. Walsemann, ICA president, warned that overeating can have effects not normally thought of, "A bulging stomach can put pressure on your bodys support systems, including your spine and spinal nerves. He continued, "Every extra pound in the abdominal region could generate 10 pounds more stress on the lower back. This stress can last a short time, such as just after eating a heavy meal or lifting a package improperly. It may also become chronic, as heavy eating during the holidays may lead to weight gain, and carrying extra pounds can put added strain on the supporting structures of the spine and nervous system."

The ICA release further explained that additional weight can force the pelvis and torso to shift and cause changes in spinal balance, leading to spinal misalignments (vertebral subluxations) and malfunctions in the entire body, explains Dr. Walsemann.

The ICA release had several recommendations which included the following:

• Lift carefully and consciously. When lifting, whether it involves packages, firewood, your frozen holiday turkey or other items, remember the prompt "lift with your legs, not your back".
• When seated and when traveling by car or plane, place a pillow or folded towel behind the small of the back to help maintain the arch in your lower back and support the rest of the body properly.
• Get sufficient rest! Many health problems that occur with the holidays are triggered or intensified by fatigue.
• Dont wait until you are hurting to see your doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic adjustments can keep you going at your peak and help you get extra enjoyment from the holiday season.