Surviving Chinese New Year Without Breaking Your Back (or Your Winning Streak)

Chinese New Year is a season of abundance. Abundant food, abundant laughter, abundant visiting… and sometimes, abundant body aches.

Every year, many people walk into the clinic after the festivities saying the same thing:

"I think I injured myself during Chinese New Year."

Not from sports.Not from the gym.

But from mahjong marathons, intense poker battles, house cleaning, and heroic cooking sessions. Let’s talk about the unexpected ways your spine might be celebrating a little too hard.

The Mahjong Marathon

You tell yourself it will be just one round.

Four hours later, you are still seated at the table, leaning forward like your tiles hold the secrets to the universe.

Mahjong posture is rarely kind to the spine. Most players unconsciously crane their neck forward, round their shoulders, and forget to move entirely once the game gets exciting.

What helps:Sit back into your chair and let it support you. Keep both feet flat on the floor and relax your shoulders. More importantly, stand up between rounds. Even a one-minute stretch can prevent hours of stiffness later. Your future self will thank you.

Poker Face, Tight Shoulders

Poker may look physically effortless, but tension builds quickly, especially when the stakes (and bragging rights) are high.

Many players grip their cards, hunch forward, and hold the same position without realizing it. By the end of the night, the real loss is not the chips. It is the knot forming across your neck and shoulders.

Try this simple reset:Roll your shoulders backwards slowly five times. Then gently turn your head left and right.

Small movements help your muscles relax so you can stay focused on winning.

The “Spring Cleaning Athlete”

Pre-New-Year cleaning deserves athletic recognition. Lifting boxes, climbing stools, reaching high shelves, moving furniture… it is basically a full-body workout. The difference is that most people do it once a year without warming up.

When lifting heavier items, bend your knees and keep the object close to your body. Avoid twisting while carrying things. That quick turn is often what triggers a strain. And remember, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for help. Delegation is also a skill.

Kitchen Endurance Test

Cooking for the family is an act of love, but standing for hours can place steady pressure on your lower back.

If possible, alternate between sitting and standing while preparing ingredients. Wearing supportive footwear also makes a bigger difference than most people expect. Your back should not have to work overtime just because your reunion dinner is impressive.

Travel Stiffness Is Real

Long drives and travel can leave your body feeling older than it is.

Plan short movement breaks when possible. A quick walk or stretch improves circulation and reduces stiffness significantly. Even gentle movement helps your spine reset.

Listen When Your Body Whispers

Chinese New Year is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.

A little awareness goes a long way in preventing post-festive aches. If your body feels tight or tired, consider it a friendly reminder to slow down and reset. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring movement, improving alignment, and helping your body function at its best. Many people are surprised by how much lighter and more mobile they feel after addressing small issues early.

Start the New Year Feeling Your Best

As you gather with loved ones, chase winning tiles, and celebrate new beginnings, remember that your health travels with you into the year ahead. Take care of your spine so it can continue supporting you through every celebration, reunion, and opportunity that comes your way.

From all of us at Total Health Chiropractic, we wish you a joyful, prosperous, and comfortable Chinese New Year.

May your 🧧 🧧 🧧 ang baos be plentiful, your meals satisfying… and your back pain-free.