It’s “Lift With Your Legs” Season
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty, minimally invasive spine surgery, and more, serving the greater Roanoke, VA area. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
There’s no denying that summer is over in lovely Virginia. With colder weather here to stay for the next few months, it’s important to keep your back in mind when tackling routine holiday activities. Here are some tips:
- Lifting Objects
Carrying heavy packages to the post office or the car after a long day of shopping can leave your back in a lurch if lifted incorrectly. Remember to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Your back should remain straight and firm.
- Shoveling the Driveway
Snow will be piling up before we know it. Make sure that you are warmed up and your muscles are loose before you start shoveling your driveway or sidewalk. Also consider investing in an ergonomically correct shovel so that you can reduce painful bending for long periods of time.
- Hanging Holiday Lights
If you’re planning to decorate your home with holiday lights using a ladder, make sure that the ladder is firmly in place and is on a flat, even surface. Once you’ve climbed up, do not extend your arms or body far off the ladder to avoid potentially tipping it over. Falling from a high distance can result in many different back injuries.
- Sleeping on an Air Mattress
Adults often find themselves on air mattresses over the holiday season as they travel and visit with friends and family. Make sure that your mattress is well inflated and doesn’t have any holes that air can leak out of. There’s nothing worse than waking up on a deflated mattress.
Dr. Leipzig and the staff at Virginia Spine Care hope this information helps you stay informed about your skeletal system health. If you or your child requires the attention of a spine specialist, please call Dr. Leipzig at 540-725-9771 or ask your physician for a referral to Virginia Spine Care.
