Superhero with back painHalloween is a time for family fun and lighthearted scares. Between carving pumpkins, dressing up, and trick-or-treating with the kids, your chronic back pain might start acting up. Make sure you don’t have to cut the fun short with these tips to scare away back pain this Halloween.

Trick or Treat with Minor Modifications

Chronic pain can make you dread trick-or-treating, but when you just can’t deny your kids the chance to show off their costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy from the neighbors, follow these tips:

  • Make the proper preparations: Start planning a week or two in advance by adopting a basic walking program—with your doctor’s permission, of course. By going on progressively longer walks every day, Halloween night will be less of a shock to your body.
  • Warm up: As dusk approaches and the kids are getting ready to go trick-or-treating, take the time to warm up your back muscles. Stretch lightly, being careful not to hurt yourself.
  • Cater to your limitations: First, set a route everyone can agree on, keeping in mind how far you were able to walk the past several days. To reduce the distance your feet must carry you, walk your kids to the end of the driveway and let them approach the door by themselves—as long as they’re old enough to do so.

Avoid the Sweets

It’s certainly tempting to raid your own candy bowl or the kids’ trick-or-treat bags, but because sugar can increase inflammation in your body and make chronic pain worse, your back will thank you if you refrain from eating candy.

Instead of sweets, opt for other fun, festive food on Halloween, such as pumpkin seeds, popcorn, pumpkin chili, and chips and salsa. You can also offer these healthier alternatives to your kids so they’re less tempted to overdo it on the candy.

Wear a Comfortable Costume

Many adults choose not to dress up on Halloween, but if you want to channel your inner child, don’t let your back pain stop you! To avoid a painful predicament, just remember to put together a costume you can move and walk in easily. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

  • Avoid costumes that call for high heels or awkward shoes: These can make walking difficult, even for someone who doesn’t have a bad back. Instead, choose footwear that supports your whole foot so you can walk normally and with proper posture.
  • Avoid costumes that put weight on your back or shoulders: This might go without saying, but if you place a greater burden where your pain originates, you’ll just be asking for trouble.
  • Avoid costumes that constrict your legs: You might develop knee or hip pain on top of your back pain if you choose a costume that forces you to take smaller strides than you’re used to.
  • Consider these comfortable costume ideas: Need a little inspiration? You might be Mario, Waldo from “Where’s Waldo,” Fred Flintstone, a scarecrow, or Carmen Sandiego. Get creative, and stay comfortable!

Avoid Decorating Nightmares

Whether kid-friendly or super spooky, Halloween decorations help you get into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, chronic pain can put a damper on your efforts. To avoid aches and pains while putting up and taking down décor, follow these tips:

  • Choose lightweight decorations.
  • Place most items on tables, mantles, and other surfaces that don’t require you to bend down or climb a ladder.
  • If you must transport boxes, hold them close to your body and avoid twisting or turning.
  • Consider wearing a back brace while you lift boxes and decorate your home. This provides additional support to prevent you from injuring yourself.

Schedule a Free Back Pain Consultation at Spine Correction Center

With these tips, you should be able to scare away back pain just in time to enjoy Halloween with your family. But are these tips enough to get you by every day?

If you don’t know the cause of your back pain, or your current treatment isn’t working effectively, visit Spine Correction Center of the Rockies for a free back pain consultation. We’ll diagnose your condition and determine whether any of our drug-free, non-invasive treatments are a good option for you.

To diagnose and begin treatment for your back pain, please call us at (970) 658-5115 or schedule your consultation online today!