Stack of three blue storage tubsA substantial portion of your storage room might be devoted to boxes of holiday decorations. Are you excited to set up the tree, lights, stockings, and other décor items? Before you get started, take any chronic back pain you have into account. The last thing you want is to throw out your back because you attempted to carry too much at once. To help ensure you don’t injure yourself, follow these tips on how to lift holiday boxes.

Preparing to Lift and Carry

  • Clear the way: As you head to the storage room, watch out for small toys or other clutter in the path. Move these to the side to ensure you don’t trip while carrying a heavy box.
  • Choose comfortable shoes: Wear supportive, close-toed shoes to give you the best possible footing.
  • Request assistance: There’s no reason why your family members can’t help you set up holiday decorations, especially if you deal with chronic back pain.

How to Lift Holiday Boxes

  • Test it out: It can be hard to tell how heavy a box is just by looking at it. Try shifting the container around on the shelf before you attempt to lift it. If it seems too heavy, ask someone else to lift and carry it.
  • Stand steady: As you prepare to lift a box, widen your stance and place one foot slightly ahead of the other. This position provides the best possible balance.
  • Keep your back straight: One rule of lifting heavy boxes is never to arch your back. Instead, tighten your abs, pull your shoulders back, and keep your head looking forward to help you maintain a straight spine.
  • Lift with your knees: Your thigh muscles are much more powerful than your vulnerable lower back, so let your legs do most of the work by bending and lifting with your knees.
  • Maintain your grip: Plastic bins with handles are more comfortable to carry than cardboard boxes, so if possible, upgrade your holiday décor storage containers for next year. If necessary, wear gloves to help improve your grip and protect your hands.
  • Hold items close and at waist level: Once you’re standing tall with a heavy box in your arms, hold it close and keep your elbows bent at about 90 degrees. This keeps the heavy object close to your center of gravity and helps you stay balanced.
  • Don’t twist your torso: When the time comes to set a box down, walk your feet around to face the direction you need. This protects your back from the injury that could occur if you twist your torso. As you set the box on the floor, remember to bend at your knees again and keep your back straight.

Other Tips for Lifting Holiday Boxes

  • Stand on a ladder to reach a high shelf: Attempting to lift items down from up high could cause arm or back strain. To avoid this, use a step ladder and hand off boxes to someone standing on the ground.
  • Stack heavy items to reduce bending: As you move boxes from the storage area to the living room, stack them on top of each other. This raises the containers so you can reach inside without bending down. As you empty each box, move it aside effortlessly and open up the box below.
  • Move slowly and smoothly: Strive not to make any sudden, jolting movements that could put undue pressure on your spine. Slow, smooth actions are best.
  • Take breaks: Listen to your body, and stop working when your back has had enough. There’s no need to set up everything in one day if you’re not feeling up for up.

Treat Chronic Back Pain at Spine Correction Center

Knowing how to lift holiday boxes correctly is important for everyone, but these tips can be invaluable for people with chronic back pain. If you’re not looking forward to another holiday season with an achy back, consider visiting Spine Correction Center in Fort Collins. We treat back pain using a variety of effective techniques, including spinal decompression, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and more. Our natural, integrated approach is designed to help you achieve back pain relief without invasive procedures or pharmaceuticals.

To learn more about our back pain treatments, please call (970) 658-5115 to schedule your free consultation today. We can conduct consultations online, over the phone, or in our Fort Collins office.