Summer Vacation?
Back pain and travel tend to go hand in hand.
Don’t let aches and pains prevent you from enjoying your time away
Back pain and travel. Summer is here which means it’s vacation time for many of us. Why not arrive at your destination with less aches and pains so you can enjoy time with friends and family….hopefully away from this heat!Part of the problem with travel is the extended amount of time you spend in one position, usually sitting in a car or plane. Plus, studies have shown that road vibration can add to back and neck problems.
So, come in and get an adjustment before you hit the road so we can talk about your specific issues, and follow these tips for holiday with less pain.
In the car:
- Start by making sure you are sitting properly in the seat, that you are in contact with the seat back.
- Your feet should easily reach the pedal without having to ‘shift’ your hips. Often people will have right lower back pain after a long drive from “reaching” the leg to the pedal
- Increase the lumbar support, use a folded towel or small pillow for your lower back
- Move the steering wheel so it is comfortable on your hands and arms. This way you don’t have to reach forward or have your upper arms in tension.
- If you have a thick wallet, take it out of your back pocket
- TAKE BREAKS. No matter how comfy your car might be, get out and move around a bit.
In the plane:
Unfortunately we are limited in the amount of “customization” in flying, but there are a few tricks that can help.
Unfortunately we are limited in the amount of “customization” in flying, but there are a few tricks that can help.
- If you have a suitcase/backpack that fits under the seat in front of you, during flight move it so it’s under your feet. Use it as a foot prop to keep stress off your lower back as you sit.
- Stay hydrated. Flying tends to dehydrate us, and hydration starts at least 24 hours before your flight.
- Move around if possible
- Do some easy stretches in your chair.
- Bend forward at the waist to stretch your lower back
- Reach up towards the ceiling to open up your back and abdomen
- Extend (if you can) your legs to stretch your back
- Move your ankles and feet up and down, in circles to improve circulation
