This is the season of giving…and gift wrapping. Whether you are wrapping one gift or 50 believe it or not there is a right way to wrap gifts.We’re talking about saving yourself some backache. Many of us try to wrap our gifts in secret and that leads us to wrap our gifts in odd locations… like the floor. Here are some tips so you can have an ache-free holiday!

Stop wrapping your presents on the floor!

You’re looking for a flat surface to wrap your gifts. Sometimes the floor seems like the best option, but it’s not. Wrapping on the floor puts your back into a compromised position. Instead of being able to keep your posture in alignment, you’re actually putting a curve into your lower spine, producing pinching of the nerves in that area, which leads to aches and pains. So save your back and look for a raised surface.

Find a table or a counter.

This is going to be your best bet for wrapping your presents. You want to make sure that you can maintain a straight back while you work. This will help to prevent those aches you can feel from slouching. Wrapping presents on a table or counter will also prevent you from putting your body into positions it probably shouldn’t be. Save your back and wrap on a raised surface.

Remember to stretch.

Staying in the same position for any extended period of time is not good for the body. Although you might want to get all of your wrapping done in one “sitting”, make sure to take breaks. Get up and stretch. It will help keep you limber and ache-free this holiday season.

If you have any questions call Dr. B at Active Family Chiropractic. She will have some great tips on stretching and keeping you fit during this holiday season.