We always see a few people over Christmas with bad backs and considering Osteopathic philosophy these fall into three broad reasons. 

1. Biomechanics – the body has most problems when we are used to doing very little and we do a lot or when we are used to doing a lot and we do very little. If you are fairly sedentary day to day listen to your body as a whole morning in the kitchen, lifting heavy pots of water or a Turkey can play havoc with a back not used to lifting.  If you are a very busy active person be careful with just sitting around all day, get out and have a walk if possible.
2. Biochemistry – Christmas is a time of excess; we certainly have more sugar and can eat more processed foods. Listening to your body is key – do you feel bloated, or horribly smelly when passing wind?  Or have some indigestion, constipation or Diarrhoea, or even just feeling off colour?  Pay attention to what you are eating; it could be a particular fruit, vegetable, wheat, dairy, sugar that does not agree with you.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be something unhealthy, just listen to your body and it will tell you.
3. Emotion – Christmas can be challenging. There can be joy as well as frictions within families, especially with alcohol and a lack of space from each other for a concentrated time.  Blocking how we feel can cause tension in our bodies and then, oh no that back has gone again. 

Take home advice –

Keep moving have a walk if you have not moved a great deal at Christmas.  At the same time if you are doing everything have a little rest here and there.

Listen to your body – how does it feel after certain foods, good food should leave you feeling light not heavy.

How do you feel?  Often we react to others but hold it all in, “it wouldn’t be good to say what I want to” but if we do this it can be bad for our bodies.  So if you can feel yourself tighten in your neck or chest or back around certain people in certain times go upstairs or find a bathroom and write down or record into your phone what you want to say, without any filters or holding anything back.  Listen back to yourself or say out loud (being careful of little ears this is just for you) and then delete or rip up or burn and know that you have had your say.  Alternatively accept the apology you will never get.  Merry Christmas.