Don’t Let Your Back Give You a Fright This Halloween

Halloween might be full of things that go bump in the night, but a sudden twinge in your back while lifting a giant pumpkin is one fright you could probably do without!

Autumn often involves more lifting than we realise. From carrying pumpkins and boxes of decorations to moving garden furniture, shifting plant pots or tackling jobs around the house and garden, it’s easy to ask a little too much of our backs.

The good news is that our backs are strong, robust structures and lifting is not something we need to fear. In fact, regularly lifting and strengthening our bodies is one of the best ways to keep them healthy. The trick is making sure the load matches what your body is currently used to.

If something is particularly heavy or awkward, take a moment before grabbing it. Can you get closer to the object? Can you make the load smaller or lighter? Would a second pair of hands make the job easier? Holding a heavy object close to your body generally makes it much easier to manage than carrying it at arm’s length.

And forget the old idea that there is one single “perfect” way to lift. Bending your back isn’t inherently dangerous. Your spine is designed to move. But if you’re lifting something heavier than usual, using your hips and knees as well as your back can help spread the workload.

It’s also worth remembering that many lifting-related aches happen when we’re tired, rushing or doing far more than we normally would. Ten trips carrying pumpkins, boxes or garden waste can be surprisingly demanding if you haven’t done much lifting recently.

If you do develop back pain, don’t panic. Most episodes of uncomplicated back pain improve, and gentle movement is usually preferable to prolonged rest.

So this Halloween, enjoy carving the pumpkins, hanging the cobwebs and frightening the neighbours — just build up to the heavy lifting.

And if your back does give you a scare, your physiotherapist can help identify what’s going on and get you moving confidently again.