Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

The calendar has turned once again, and that means it’s time for another installment of how each month of the year can be challenging for your spine. We’ve already explored how August, September and October can be hard on your spine, and in this installment, we take a look at some of the ways November can take a toll on your back. From tackling the Thanksgiving turkey to surviving the first snowfall, November can lead to back pain if you’re not careful!

November And Your Spine

Here’s a look at some of the threats to your spine health that tend to rear their ugly heads in November.

• First Snowfall – Although we actually received our first snowfall in Minnesota in October this year, November tends to be the first month where snow and ice is a constant threat. Slippery sidewalks can lead to slip and fall injuries, and we tend to land hard on our butt or back if we fall backwards. Snow removal can also be hard on our spine, as the twisting, turning and lifting that come with shoveling can lead to back strains and soft tissue injuries if you use poor lifting techniques. Check out these tips for preventing and treating back problems from slipping on ice, and read up on five tips to prevent back pain from shoveling snow.
• The Election – The election can also be a source of back pain for a couple of different reasons. If you’re stuck standing in line for hours, your back will be asked to help disperse weight and pressure. Over time, this can lead to back pain and soreness. Try to sit, stand and stay loose while waiting in line to vote. The election itself can also be a source of stress for a number of Americans, and stress can be a trigger for back pain. Try to find ways to reduce stress triggers in your life, and read up on why stress can often causes back pain to develop.
• Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving is the holiday that gets the most attention in November, and for a lot of families who are hosting guests, getting ready for the holiday can be a daunting task. You’re likely on your feet for hours, bending, cooking, cleaning and making sure the house looks nice. All this movement and strain can have an impact on your spine health, so be sure to read up on our tips for preventing back pain during the Thanksgiving holiday.
• Black Friday – Black Friday is expected to be a little tamer this year, as many retailers are reducing their Black Friday hours and staying closed on Thanksgiving. The COVID-19 pandemic will also likely help to keep shoppers away, but odds are there will still be plenty of people out and about. If you’re going holiday shopping on Black Friday or another day in the lead up to the holidays, make sure you wear comfortable and supportive shoes, as this will help to take stress off your spine. Also, be sure to check out these tips for preventing spine pain when shopping!

That’s pretty much it for November. Stay safe and injury free this month, and be sure to swing back to our blog next month when we explore how December can be challenging on your spine. From the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to end of year elective surgeries, the last month of the year isn’t any easier on your spine! And if you develop any back discomfort, please consider reaching out to Dr. Sinicropi and his experienced team today.

Comments are closed.