The holiday activities that many people look forward to, from decorating and shopping to traveling and hosting, can take a toll on your back. If you’re already dealing with back issues, extra strain on your body during the holidays can tip you over the edge.
What might start as a dull ache after lifting a heavy box or extended sitting during holiday travel can quickly escalate into radiating back pain that interferes with your plans. While it’s easy to assume the pain is from muscle strain, a bulging disc might be to blame.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating back pain due to conditions like bulging and herniated discs. Knowing the signs and causes can help you take action before the problem worsens and puts a damper on your holiday celebration.
Between each vertebra in your spine are soft, gel-like discs that absorb shock and provide cushion when you move. When one of these discs weakens or becomes compressed, it can bulge outward. Pain may occur if the disc compresses nearby nerves.
A bulging disc differs from a herniated disc, where the disc’s inner material leaks out. However, both can cause nerve irritation and pain. Most commonly, bulging discs occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine), where the spine bears the most weight and movement.
The holiday season tends to amplify spine stress. Activities like lifting luggage, bending or extending to hang decorations, or sitting for hours on a flight or in the car put added pressure on your spinal discs. Cold weather can also stiffen muscles and reduce blood flow, making existing back issues more noticeable.
Even emotional stress has a two-way connection to back pain. Stress can contribute to back pain, and back pain can be distressing. Muscle tension and inflammation are two ways emotional stress contributes to back pain.
When you’re stressed, the body releases the pro-inflammatory stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, when you’re tense, muscles around the spine tighten, reducing flexibility and increasing strain on the discs.
For those already managing degenerative disc disease or prior spine injuries, the combination of stress and physical activity during the holidays can trigger painful flare-ups.
A bulging disc doesn’t always cause pain, but when it does, the symptoms are hard to ignore. It’s common to experience:
These signs can mimic other spine problems, so proper diagnosis is key. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Jones uses advanced imaging tools like MRI to pinpoint the source of your back pain.
If a bulging disc is the cause, conservative care is often the first step. In cases where pain persists, minimally invasive spine procedures can provide lasting relief.
Simple steps like maintaining good posture, using proper lifting techniques, and managing stress can also go a long way toward preventing and managing holiday flare-ups.
If your pain is interfering with your enjoyment of the holiday season or daily life, it’s time to get answers. Contact The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones in Houston, Pearland, or Lake Jackson, Texas. Our team can evaluate your back pain and create a personalized treatment plan to help you enjoy the season without pain.
