Tips for Holiday Traveling and Your Back

By Randi Morse

One of the best things about the holiday season is the time you get to spend with friends and family. If your family is like mine, and millions of other families around the nation, you have family members scattered all over the place. Our family usually gathers at the same place each year, but I know lots of others who rotate their holiday season, spending it at one house this year and another house next year. If you're headed to see your family this holiday season, you'll likely be traveling, and if you're not flying, you're taking a road trip. Road trips are great for spending time with your family, but one thing it's not great for is your back! 

Careful When Packing

One of the first things you need to be cautious of occurs when you're just starting your journey. Packing, especially when you're bringing presents along with you, can do a number on your back. Bending at the knees and using the power from your legs to lift things, like your suitcases and presents, can help to keep your back healthy and free of joint restrictions. If you are already dealing with a sore back, take the time to speak with your chiropractor about different ways to safely lift. If you have a partner, friend, or other family member going with you and you're dealing with a sore back, ask them to handle some of the heavy lifting for you.

Don't Drive Alone

When you're driving long distances, it's always best to travel with a partner. If you have to drive a long distance on your own, you're much more at risk to get in an accident and you're also much more at risk of getting back pain as well. When you drive, you stay in the same position for a long period of time. When you're in the passenger or back seats, you're able to move around and shift a bit more. Share the drive and you'll both have a more pleasant experience.

Take a Break

It can be easy to want to get to your location so badly that you try to drive straight through without stopping. It's important, however, to stop every few hours and stretch. This gives your body a break and also helps wake your mind up as well.

This holiday season enjoy your traveling with these few tips. By taking your time, taking breaks and being cautious, you can greet the New Year free from back pain. If, however, you find yourself dealing with pain before, or after your trip, a visit with your chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic will help you to get rid of your pain.

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