Christmas: it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest. For many of us, much of the festive period is spent standing in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove. And of course, time in the kitchen means time on your feet, and that can lead to neck or back pain.
So with just a few weeks left before the Christmas cooking marathons begin, we thought it was best to share some spine-friendly tips that you can use in the kitchen:
Get your moves right
The way you move in the kitchen may not be something you particularly think about, but it should be! According to our Newcastle chiropractor, proper bending, lifting and reaching techniques are essential while cooking. To begin with, make sure you keep your go-to ingredients on a lower shelf to avoid straining your neck from reaching too high. Whether you’re lifting a 20-pound turkey out of the oven or popping in a tray of roast potatoes, make sure you lift or bend with your legs instead of your back as this will to reduce the risk of injury.
Keep a level head
Heard of “dish neck”? Ok, so it may not be such a well known term as text neck, but it comes with the same risks of back pain. Remember that the average person’s head weighs 10 to 12 pounds in a neutral position. Leaning your head forward just 15 degrees can equate to your neck supporting 27 pounds! That’s a lot of extra weight to carry! Try to keep your neck as straight as possible when doing the dishes to avoid any unnecessary pain.
Share the foodie fun
Putting together the perfect Christmas meal isn’t an easy goal to reach on your own. Recruiting a few helping hands means sharing some of the work while making it fun for everyone. Not only will this relieve stress on your neck and back, but enjoying the social aspect of cooking can release endorphins that help reduce muscle tension.
Being the Christmas chef should be fun, and with these top tips, neck or back pain while cooking shouldn’t be on your festive menu this year!
Had a great consultation followed by my first hr session. Very positive, friendly and informative. Hope to carry onDavid Hemingway13/02/2024
I don’t know what I’d do without my monthly appointment. My movement vastly improved and there has been a reduction in persistent when I discovered this clinic.Janet13/02/2024
After being diagnosed with BPPV Vertigo I was really suffering and after not really making any progress with the Betahistine prescribed by the Doctor at the Royal Stoke I decided to see Dr Finn, who has previously resolved other muscular and skeletal injuries for myself and my family. With BPPV Vertigo being an issue with the inner ear I wasn’t sure if this was something he could resolve promptly ? The clinic fitted me in really quickly and after just two short visits my BPPV was fully resolved. After spending so much time on 111 and at the hospital I was relieved at how swiftly and efficiently Dr Finn resolved my BPPV, which was really bad. I can fully recommend this clinic for this and other treatments in a professional and effective manner. 10/10Greg Methven11/02/2024
First class service from Rob and teamStephen Banks06/02/2024
My wife was suddenly in real pain around her hip area and upon making a phone call to Newcastle Chiropractic was given an immediate appointment. With a total of no more than 20 minutes she was feeling a lot less pain and doing gentle walking as recommended by Rob. She’s very grateful with a lot less pain and feeling mobile again.Richard Moth06/02/2024
The staff members handle their clients professionally.John Nyansera25/01/2024
I first started seeing Rob in 1998 when he took over from Jane Hvas at the Brampton Clinic. I have now been a patient of Robs for 25 years. I don't know what I would have done without the treatment and support I have re eived from him. He's simply the best.Linda Machin24/01/2024
Dott. Burcu Cetinkaya is the best chiropractor I've ever been treated by, and I've had many. Since the first visit at the clinic I've been examinated and listened very carefully about my problems and I've been given a personalised plan of treatment and exercises straight away. I've been checked vertebra by vertebra and rettified my posture, basically if there is a problem she will find out and I've never been so happy with my back, my problems they're gone and my posture is the best ever. I can't thank dott. Burcu enough even if an emergency occurred she has been always available and makes me feel safe. Not the last the ladies on reception are the kindest ever. The clinic service is a 5 star ???? all round. Thank you ???? ???? ????????Francesco Alfano20/01/2024
Should have come to Newcastle chiropractic a year ago save wasting a year trying get sorted with the NHS, Came to Newcastle Chiropractic and was met by friendly staff and Dr Burcu who couldn’t help enough, don’t know where I would have been with out the help I have received from Dr Burcu. Excellent practice 11/10 all day.Paul Proffitt16/01/2024