This article is one of a series covering back pain — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
The holiday season is upon us. It can be a great time of cheer and joy and eating and drinking and sitting. A lot. So we’ve decided to help you through the season by making a few suggestions to help your health while not having to totally be a saint and refraining from all the delicacies of the season.
Tip 1 – Plan Your Eating
It’s very easy to eat a ton of carbs at this time of year, so look at what you’ll be eating on any given day and try and limit your carb intake during the day for the big planned meal.
Tip 2 – Water & Alcohol
Instead of whiskey chasers, try water chasers. No one is saying don’t have a drink, but everything in moderation. If you have a glass of water between drinks you will keep your body better hydrated and also may not feel as bad in the morning too. If you’re out, use an excuse like, I need to be on top of my game tomorrow, if any friends try and encourage you to drink more.
Tip 3 – Stay Active
It can be easy to sit around a lot more and do very little exercise, but this will make you feel worse and most likely won’t help indigestion. So if you have a big meal, go out for a walk afterwards. It’ll help your food down and allow you to stretch your legs too. Daily walks in general are good for you and help to ease the weight off as well.
Tip 4 – Eat Slowly
Eat your food slowly and savor the flavor. Don’t go back for seconds either. Eating slowly and carefully enables you to digest the food better and to enjoy the moment as well.
Tip 5 – Encouragement & Support
Try and encourage a friend or family member to do the same as you by following some or all of these tips. They can be tricky to do alone but with some moral support you can do it. You can help them as they help you.
Really the main trick is to be moderate in all you do. Don’t sit down all the time and simply eat and drink. Savor your food, drink less alcohol & more water and go out for walks. Your 2020 body will thank you for it after the season!
Whats more, if you have back pain, keeping the weight down can help manage your pain better as well.
If you are in pain, suffer from back pain, neck pain, headaches or whatever, come in and see us, we can help. We also accept insurance and would be delighted to help you out of pain. Call us today or Schedule an appointment.
Ready to get out of pain? Most new patients are seen within 24 hours — walk in or book online.
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Further Reading: Back Pain