1 Tackle stress
No matter how much you may love Christmas, all the extra shopping, cooking and navigating complicated family dynamics at this time of year can impact on your stress levels. And stress is one of the most common – though frequently overlooked – causes of back pain.
‘Tension causes lactic acid to build up and create knots in your largest muscles, especially those in your back,’ explains Sophia Kupse, a holistic therapist and founder of LT Therapy for back pain; themusclewhisperer.co.uk
Try this
Meditation
‘Just a few minutes of daily meditation will help clear out negative emotions, stopping stress and pain from building up,’ says Sophia. Google ‘meditation apps’ for a plethora of options. Or try free mindfulness sessions at oxfordmindfulness.org
Sound therapy
This is a great shortcut to the same relaxed state you reach with meditation. All you have to do is listen. Search for the keywords ‘alpha wave music’ to find CDs and YouTube videos.
Back to basics
‘Don’t delay. Back pain that lasts for one to three months can significantly impact on your quality of life, even affecting your relationships,’ says Sophia.
2 Top up your diet
‘People are often surprised to learn there’s a connection between their diet and their back pain,’ says Sophia. ‘But your body needs proper nutrition so that the muscles can continue to move and support your spine. If you haven’t eaten regularly and sensibly, your muscles may stop working for you. They can weaken, tighten up and become more susceptible to fatigue-related injury and emotional stress.’
Try this
Power foods
This story is from the November 10 - 17, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 10 - 17, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest