Why Back Pain Happens After Post-Holidays Cleanup
By: Charles T. Carnel, MD
Interventional Spine Specialist
The Holidays Are Over...But Your Back Didn't Get the Memo
If you woke up sore after climbing ladders, lifting storage bins, or dragging your Christmas tree to the curb, you’re not alone.
Every January, Dr. Charles Carnel and his physician assistant, Madison Kirk, PA-C see surge in adults suffering back and neck pain from post-holiday cleanup.
“People don’t think of putting away decorations as a sport,” Dr. Carnel says with a smile. “But those twisting, reaching, overhead motions are exactly how many back injuries happen.”
Whether it’s muscle strain, pinched nerves, or aggravated arthritis, back pain can quickly derail your New Year’s plans.
Why Injuries Happen
Taking down decorations often involves:
- Overhead reaching to remove lights
- Carrying heavy boxes up/down stairs
- Awkward twisting while undecorating the tree
- Long periods of bending to organize storage
“It’s the combination of awkward motion and weight that catches people off guard,” Dr. Carnel explains. “Your joints aren’t warmed up — and suddenly you’re lifting like you’re moving furniture.”
Sometimes pain sets in instantly. Other times, it shows up the next morning — stiff, sharp, or shooting into the leg.
Signs It's More Than A Simple Strain
Schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Pain lasting 7–10 days with no improvement
- Sharp shooting pain down the leg
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in feet or toes
- Difficulty bending, walking, or sleeping
“Back pain that changes how you move — that’s a red flag,” says Dr. Carnel. “If you’re modifying your life just to get through the day, it’s time to get checked.”
How Dr. Carnel and Madison Kirk, PA-C Help You Recover
Dr. Carnel and Madison Kirk, PA-C take a non-surgical, stepwise approach to treating spine issues.
“Our goal is not just to treat the pain — it’s to understand what caused it,” he emphasizes. “That way, we can fix the problem and help keep it from coming back.”
A typical care plan may include:
✔️ Physical exam + imaging when appropriate
✔️ Physical therapy and core strengthening
✔️ Dry needling or anti-inflammatory medications
✔️ Ultrasound-guided injections when needed
✔️ Rapid referral to spine surgery specialists for severe cases
“Most people just need the right diagnosis and a smart plan,” Dr. Carnel says. “We want you back to normal life as quickly and safely as possible.”
Prevent Future Back Pain - Simple Tips for Next Year
Keep these safety tips in mind before you pack away the holidays:
- Bend from your knees, not your back
- Carry bins close to your body
- Avoid twisting while lifting
- Break the job into short tasks
- Tag-team ladder work and heavy items
“Asking for help isn’t a weakness,” Dr. Carnel adds. “It’s injury prevention.”
Back Pain Holding You Back? Schedule an Appointment
Don’t let back pain linger into the new year. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Carnel — or his PA, Madison Kirk, PA-C — and get a personalized plan to help you move, work, and live without pain.
They treat patients at our main Birmingham office and satellite clinics in Hoover 150, Hoover 280, and Trussville. Same day/next day appointments are available for acute injuries.
About Charles T. Carnel, MD
Charles T. Carnel, MD is a non-surgical spine physician board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He is fellowship-trained in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine. He focuses on diagnosing and treating back, neck, and spine-related pain using advanced, non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Carnel is committed to helping patients restore function and return to an active lifestyle. He treats patients at Andrews Sports Medicine's Birmingham and Hoover Hwy. 280 clinic locations.
About Madison Kirk, PA-C
Madison Kirk, PA-C is a certified physician assistant who works alongside interventional spine specialist Dr. Charles Carnel at Andrews Sports Medicine. She assists in patient evaluation, treatment planning, and ongoing management of spine and musculoskeletal conditions. Madison provides high-quality, compassionate care at Andrews’ Birmingham, Hoover 150, Hoover 280, and Trussville clinics.
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