Shopping, Sales and Subluxations

By Krista Elliott

Black Friday has come and gone for another year with people having lined up in front of their favorite stores before opening in the hopes of snagging an amazing deal. The thing is, those Black Friday sales can get pretty ugly, with people elbowing, jostling, and even knocking each other down in their rush to snag a discount Hatchimal or marked-town PS4. 

Black Friday might be the the most intense shopping day of the year, but it marks the beginning of some pretty busy days at the malls, big-box stores, and local vendors. Unless you're one of those fortunate souls with flexible schedules who can do their shopping on Tuesday mornings, you're probably like the rest of us: Stuck doing your shopping after work and on the weekends along with most everybody else in town. 

During this busy time, the last thing you want is for a spine or joint injury to sideline you. So how to keep your back and joints pain-free while doing your holiday shopping? 

Maybe I Should Just Get Gift Cards

You know the scenario: You're at the mall, getting your shopping done, and each new bag gets added to the lineup of bags already hanging from your left arm. And with every step, each bag feels a pound or two heavier until your shoulder is aching and you're starting to lose feeling in your hand. 

Lugging heavy bags can do a serious number on your spine due to the uneven forces yanking on your vertebrae and its muscles. Whenever possible, distribute your bags evenly between both hands to keep the weight similar. And instead of trying to complete all your shopping in one day, a couple of trips will make life a lot easier on your joints. 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ... a Traffic Jam

So maybe you're heading to the big-box stores this weekend. Well, so is everybody else, meaning that you're going to be sitting in your car for quite awhile. To keep your back and joints healthy, make sure to avoid slumping in your seat no matter how frustrated and discouraged you are. And paying attention in start-and-stop traffic is vital, as it's very easy to let your mind wander, only to wind up in a spine-damaging fender bender. 

Feet, Don't Fail Me Now

Whether you're shopping downtown or at the mall, odds are you're going to be putting some miles on your shoes before the day is out. And whether it's slipping on slick flooring or tiring our your back on concrete sidewalks, all that hoofing can lead to strains and subluxations. So now is the time to put on some sturdy, non-slip shoes, boots or sneakers that will provide you with the comfort and support you need. Serious shopping missions require serious footwear, people. 

And while you're shopping, don't forget to get a little something for yourself: A visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't even need an appointment, making it easy to fit pain-relieving chiropractic care into your day. With routine treatment, your body can be in its best alignment ever, making it easier to prevent pain and injuries so you can plow through your shopping list without missing a beat. Come visit The Joint today -- we're the best present you can give yourself!