Drs. Peter Moley and Alice Chen, both physiatrists at the HSS Stamford Outpatient Center in Stamford, Connecticut, see a large increase in patients suffering from back pain around the holidays. It often gets worse this time of year, and the doctors point to a number of reasons. “Stress tends to make back pain worse,” according to Dr. Chen. Research shows that emotional stress or mental pain can turn into physical pain. Depression and stress deplete certain brain chemicals that play a role in controlling pain. When these chemicals are diminished, pain gets worse.
Drs. Chen and Moley have the following tips to maintain spine health and enjoy the holidays pain-free:
- Put things in perspective.
- Make sure you’re getting enough rest.
- If a package is heavy, ask for help. If you do lift, remember to bend from the KNEES.
- Slow down and take breaks. Don’t overdo it.
- Stay focused on the task at hand and be mindful to avoid an accident.
- Don’t forget to do your exercises and stretching during the holiday season.
- Don’t say “I don’t have time to attend to my pain.” Don’t ignore initial symptoms.
If you do develop back pain, the doctors advise resting for two days and taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen after consulting with your physician. If the pain is not better in two days, or if you have sharp, excruciating pain that radiates down your leg, see a doctor. Dr. Moley says, “When you see a physician, the doctor should spend ample time with you, taking a good medical history, performing a physical exam and ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, to get to the root of the problem and prescribe the best individualized treatment plan.”
Dr. Peter Moley specializes in the non-operative treatment of hips, low backs, and general joint injuries through the use of selective injections and advanced physical therapy programs.
Dr. Alice Chen treats disorders and injuries of the neck, back, muscles, and joints in a minimally invasively manner using techniques including epidural injections, blocks, radiofrequency ablation, joint injections, and medical acupuncture. She employs techniques using ultrasound guidance and fluoroscopic guidance to enable accurate treatment of deeper structures.
