Avoid Back Pain On Vacation!
Travel, whether in a car or airplane, can be stressful on the body and especially the spine. Long hours driving or sitting on an airplane has the potential to leave you stiff and sore, but following these tips can help make sure you don’t suffer the summer vacation back pain woes.
1. Adjust Your Seat While Driving
Adjust your seat to be as close to the steering wheel as possible. Your seat’s height should be adjusted to a point so that your knees are just slightly higher than the hips and your elbows should be able to rest relaxed by your sides.
2. Lumbar Supports
Using a lumbar support cushion can help minimize the risk of back pain and injury. The support should be positioned so that the widest part is directly between the bottom of your ribcage and your waistline.
3. Posture Breaks
Stretching while driving can help minimize the swelling, pain and discomfort associated with long road trips. Spread your toes as wide as you can while you count to ten. Do the same as you tighten and relax the muscles in your calves, then your thighs, and then your buttocks. Roll your shoulders up and back, always making sure you keep your eyes on the road in front of you.
4. Gripping The Steering Wheel
Gripping the steering wheel at four and eight o’clock helps minimize tension in your arms and shoulders. Keep a loose grip to ensure proper circulation in your arms and hands.
5. Warm Up & Cool Down
Just like with any physical activity, you should loosen up before settling in and stretch upon arrival at your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your leg and back muscles.
6. Take Breaks
Driving while fatigued can have deadly consequences to you and your passengers, so make sure to take breaks and stop to rest when necessary.
The Ascent Chiropractic Advantage
At Ascent Chiropractic, we utilize a low-force, non-invasive, conservative approach to treatment of back and neck pain for our patients in Brookfield, New Berlin & surrounding areas. To make an appointment at Ascent Chiropractic, call 262-345-4166 or schedule an appointment with our online scheduling app.
