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Don’t Let Your Travel Plans Become a Pain In the Neck

It’s no secret that traveling can cause a great deal of stress on your mind, but it can also wreak havoc on your body. According to Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Occupational Health, traveling even under the plushest of first class experiences can lead to wear and tear on your body. The pressure that comes from sitting for a long period of time in an awkward position can restrict your blood flow and make you feel tired and weak.

If you travel for a living, or if you just spend a lot of time in the car, the following tips from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) may help you do it a little more comfortably.

Traveling By Car

If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, the following hints may help make your trip easier:

  • Adjust the seat to ensure you’re as close to the steering wheel as is comfortable. Keep your knees a little higher than your hips and make sure there’s room between your legs and the wheel.
  • Shift your hands on the wheel. Sometimes keep them at 10:00 and 2:00, other times move them to 3:00 and 7:00.
  • Vary your focal point while driving so your risk of eye fatigue and tension headaches is reduced. You’ll also be more alert by following this trick.

Traveling by Plane

  • Check your bags if they’re heavier than 10 percent of your weight. That means if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to stow anything that weighs more than 15 pounds.
  • Try to switch your position as often as you can. If you’re stuck in the middle and can’t wiggle much, massage your arms and legs to avoid cramps.
  • Don’t sit underneath the air controls. The breeze they put out can result in extra tension in your neck and shoulders.

Traveling With Kids

  • Always pack a car seat for any type of travel if you have children under the age of four or who weigh less than 40 pounds.
  • Make sure that car seats are situated in the middle of the back seat. This is especially important for vehicles with air bags.
  • If traveling by plane, ask what their policy is on child car seat safety.

While these hints should help make your travel plans a little easier, there’s no substitute for quality chiropractic care. Whenever you travel, make sure to visit your chiropractic team upon return. They’ll be able to work out the kinks that go along with traveling and help keep you at the top of your game.

 

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