Christmas Back & Neck Pain: How to Stay Pain-Free This Festive Season
Christmas Back & Neck Pain: How to Stay Pain-Free During the Festive Season
Christmas is meant to be a time of enjoyment, but for many people across London it’s also a time when back pain and neck pain flare up. Festive routines often involve long hours standing in the kitchen, bending to wrap presents, lifting shopping bags, and sitting for extended periods while travelling or relaxing.
At Angel Chiropractic, we see a clear seasonal increase in spinal pain during December. The good news is that with the right care — and a few simple adjustments — you can protect your spine and enjoy Christmas comfortably.
Why Back & Neck Pain Increase at Christmas
1. Long Periods of Standing
Standing for hours while cooking Christmas meals or hosting guests places constant pressure on the lower back and hips, especially if posture is poor or footwear lacks support.
2. Cooking & Kitchen Strain
Chopping, stirring, leaning over worktops and sinks, and twisting to reach cupboards can overload the spine — particularly the lower back and shoulders.
3. Bending to Wrap Presents
Wrapping presents on the floor or low tables often involves prolonged bending and awkward postures, which can strain the lower back and neck.
4. Lifting & Carrying
From food shopping to moving decorations and gifts, repeated lifting without proper technique increases the risk of muscle strain.
5. Travel & Sitting
Long journeys sitting in cars, trains or planes compress spinal discs and tighten muscles.
6. Stress & Tension
Festive stress commonly leads to tight shoulders, neck stiffness and tension headaches.
Common Christmas-Related Pain Symptoms
During the festive period, people frequently experience:
Lower back pain or stiffness
Neck pain and reduced mobility
Shoulder and upper back tension
Sciatica flare-ups
Headaches
Muscle tightness after standing or bending
If left untreated, these symptoms often carry over into the New Year.
How Chiropractic Care Helps During Christmas
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring healthy movement to the spine and reducing strain on muscles and joints — particularly important during physically demanding periods like Christmas.
At Angel Chiropractic, treatment may include:
Spinal Adjustments
Improve joint mobility and relieve stiffness caused by standing, bending and sitting.
Soft Tissue Release
Targets tight muscles affected by cooking, lifting and stress.
Posture & Movement Advice
We show you safer ways to stand, bend, cook and wrap presents without aggravating your spine.
Preventative Care
Early treatment helps stop minor aches becoming chronic problems.
Many patients find chiropractic care helps them enjoy Christmas without relying on painkillers.
Practical Tips to Protect Your Spine This Christmas
Stand evenly when cooking — avoid leaning on one hip
Use a footrest or open cupboard to alternate foot position while standing
Wrap presents on a table rather than the floor
Bend at the knees, not the waist
Avoid twisting while carrying shopping or gifts
Take short breaks during cooking or standing
Stretch gently after long periods on your feet
Wear supportive footwear at home
These small changes significantly reduce strain on your back and neck.
When Should You See a Chiropractor Over Christmas?
Consider booking an appointment if:
Pain lasts more than a few days
Standing or cooking worsens symptoms
Bending causes sharp pain
You wake up stiff every morning
Pain spreads into arms or legs
You want to prevent problems before January
Early treatment can make a huge difference.
Christmas Chiropractic Care in London
At Angel Chiropractic, we support patients across Angel, Islington and surrounding London areas throughout the festive season.
We treat:
Back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica
Posture-related pain
👉 Book your appointment online
👉 Or call 0207 288 2999
Start the New Year pain-free and moving well.