Keeping the Back and Body Healthy When Camping

By Brandi Swieter  

Camping can be a lot of fun, but it can also take a toll on the body. The food cooked over flames can cause stomach troubles. The sleeping conditions can cause back pain. The activities campers participate in can even lead to exhaustion. Campers need to do their best to keep their backs and bodies healthy when camping so they can make the most of their experience rather than spend it suffering.

Drink Plenty of Water

Skip the soda pop, coffee, sweet tea, and other flavored beverages when camping. They can cause dehydration thanks to all the sugar and extra ingredients if people aren’t careful. The best way to stay hydrated whether camping or not is to drink plenty of water. Always keep a bottle or two on hand no matter where you’re heading for the day. Plenty of water in the system also helps to keep sickness at bay.

Use Cushioning When Sleeping

Roughing it may sound like the tough thing to do, but the practice can actually do a lot of damage to the back. Chances are, campers who sleep on nothing but a sleeping bag on the ground will wake up with an extremely sore back and body. Using cushioning while sleeping is the best thing campers can do. An air mattress isn’t necessary, but at least some sort of padding is. Some sort of mat, foam pad, or even pop up tent floor tile works well enough.

Stretch Before Activities

Campers tend to participate in a lot of activities. Things like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and even just playing catch or throwing a frisbee around the campsite can take a lot of effort. Since these activities get the muscles moving and working, it’s important for campers to do proper stretches before starting. These stretches will help to loosen up the body and prepare it for the workout that these hobbies involve, as well as help prevent injuries.

Make Healthy Food Choices

The body needs adequate nutrition to function properly. Living off roasted marshmallows and beef jerky for a few days or longer while camping won’t do the body any good at all. It’s fine to choose some unhealthy snack options on occasion, but the entire camping trip should not be an excuse to eat poorly. Feed the body some fruits and vegetables to ensure it can handle all of the activities that go on during the average camping trip.

Any campers who still experience back pain or discomfort after trying to remain healthy on their trip should visit The Joint Chiropractic. Some joint restrictions within the body may be causing further problems. Walk in during evening and weekend hours without worry at The Joint.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gold River, Calif.

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