Chinese New Year is about reunion.
Laughter. Cards. Mahjong. Stories that stretch into the night.
But by the second day…
Your lower back feels tight.
Your neck starts aching.
That old “slip disc” fear creeps back in.
You didn’t lift anything heavy.
You were just sitting.
So why does it hurt?
Why Floor Sitting Triggers Neck & Back Pain
When we sit on the floor:
1️⃣ Pelvis rolls backward
Without back support, your pelvis tilts backward.
This flattens your natural lumbar curve.
If you’ve had a slip disc before, this position:
Increases disc pressure
Stresses already sensitive segments
Irritates surrounding nerves
2️⃣ You lean forward unknowingly
Playing cards or scrolling phone = head forward posture.
Your neck carries the weight of your head — about 4–5kg.
When tilted forward, the load multiplies.
Result:
Neck ache
Upper back tightness
Shoulder fatigue
3️⃣ You sit too long without moving
During CNY, time flies.
2 hours become 4 hours.
Your spine is designed for movement, not prolonged static positions.
“But I Already Recovered From Slip Disc…”
Many patients believe:
“My MRI is better.”
“I already finished treatment.”
“I’m okay now.”
What most people don’t realize:
A previous disc injury often leaves:
Weak deep stabilizers
Altered movement pattern
Protective muscle tension
So during festive prolonged sitting, the body reverts to old stress patterns.
It’s not that the disc “slipped again.”
It’s that the spine lost its movement support.
Mahjong, Cards & Reunion — How to Protect Your Spine
Here are simple CNY-friendly tips:
✅ Use a cushion under your hips
Raise your pelvis slightly higher than your knees.
This preserves lumbar curve.
✅ Sit against a wall
Even light support reduces disc strain.
✅ Change position every 20–30 minutes
Stand up. Walk to kitchen. Refill tea.
Small movement resets the spine.
✅ Gentle extension after long sitting
Stand tall, place hands on hips, gently lean backward 5–8 times.
This helps counter prolonged flexion posture.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If after CNY you notice:
Persistent leg numbness
Sharp shooting pain down the leg
Weakness
Pain lasting more than a few days
It’s time for proper spinal assessment.
Not panic.
Just clarity.
Movement Perspective: Your Body Isn’t “Fragile”
One flare-up doesn’t mean you’re broken.
It means:
Your spine needs better support, stability, and flow.
At Movement Chiropractic, we focus on:
Restoring joint mobility
Rebalancing pelvis alignment
Reducing nerve irritation
Strengthening functional movement
Not just “cracking” — but restoring movement confidence.
Learn more about chiropractic care
Chinese New Year is about reunion.
Your body should be part of that joy — not silently enduring discomfort.
If your back feels tight after visiting,
don’t wait for it to worsen.
