Getting ready for the holidays, particularly while decorating, the potential for injury increases and we sometimes find ourselves in a world of hurt. Whether you’re stringing lights, topping your tree, preparing a festive meal, traveling to see your family, or heading out on slick roads, we at Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics want to help keep your holidays as happy as possible!

The best gift you can give yourself (and your loved ones) this season is an incident-free Christmas.

A 2019 report from The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated the following holiday decoration-related emergency room-treated injuries nationwide during the holiday season:

• 14,800 holiday decorating related ER-treated injuries or an average of about 160 decorating-related injuries per day during the holiday season from November-December.
• The most frequent holiday decorating incidents involved falls (41%), and back strains (5%).

It’s indeed the season for going overboard, which sometimes causes us to overlook safety precautions. While fall prevention should be a priority at all times, it’s especially important during the holiday season with activities at their peak. So here are some preventive measures:

Ladder use

• Check your ladder for broken hinges or rungs and loose screws.
• Wear proper footwear. Your shoe soles should have adequate grip, a secure fit, and shoelaces should be tied securely.
• Make sure the steps of the ladder are dry and completely free of ice, dirt or anything that could interfere with your safety.
• Place your ladder on a stable, level surface. Be sure to use the 1:4 rule. Set up your ladder 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of ladder rise.
• Consider ladder height and load capacity appropriate for what you’re doing. If you have to use an extension ladder, make sure to have a spotter to secure the base!

Lifting and Carrying

During the holidays, many of us stay on the go! So whether you’re packing an overnight bag, checking several bags, or loading a suitcase in the trunk, keep these safety tips in mind to avoid common neck, back, and shoulder injuries.

• Be mindful when using overhead compartments in aircraft. Always lift with your legs to prevent strain or sprain.
• Take time to gently place your luggage, packages, gifts, or boxes in vehicles or while carrying them, to avoid straining your neck, shoulders, or back.

So what if you DO suffer an injury during the holiday season?

This is why Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics is here! Regardless of how busy the holiday season may be, your health should always be a priority and we strive to help you in every way we can. If you’ve suffered a slip-and-fall, muscle strain, or some other injury, be proactive in seeking assistance from the experts. Dr. Hall and our professional staff are available for appointments and will provide you with a wealth of spine, joint, structural, and muscle solutions to whatever injuries you may suffer. 

Our nonsurgical solutions are state-of-the-art and with proper care, most of our patients find not only relief to their pain, but the source of their orthopedic problems. We’ll help you get back to feeling your best so you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays, pain free!

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