How Your Car is Causing Pain (And How to Fix It!)
By Genevieve Cunningham
As American adults, we practically live in the car. We drive to and from work, to and from community and family obligations, and to and from various activities for ourselves or children. We’re a busy group of people, and that doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. And while being busy can certainly be a good thing -- for both our physical and mental well-being -- it can also bring a downside. And for many people, that downside comes in the form of pain. Spending hours in the car can hurt! And sometimes, it can be difficult to find relief. If you would like to enjoy the busy-ness of your life minus the pain, take a look at these causes and solutions.
Why Does Pain Happen?
When you’re stuck in the car for hours at a time, you tend to sit in the same tired position. You may find that your back slowly rounds, your shoulders fall forward, and your abdomen relaxes. Over time, this can can cause weak muscles, stiff joints and ligaments, and may even heighten the chance of injury. This pain is most often felt in the back, neck, or various joints. And because there is little that anyone can do to alter the position in any significant way, it’s incredibly hard to stifle or avoid the subsequent discomfort.
How Can Pain Be Eliminated?
While finding relief can be difficult, it’s definitely possible. To get a little relief from the pain, try a few of these effective solutions:
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Balance - Sometimes we drive more than we have to. Instead of making one trip to work and back, another to the gym and back, and then one more to grab dinner, make one long trip. Pack your bag for the gym, and then swing by a store for food on your way home. You’ll still run just as many errands, but with fewer trips and less time spent in the the confines of the vehicle.
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Exercise - Maintaining a good exercise routine is a great way to fight the effects of inactivity. Find a workout that you actually enjoy -- yoga, running, aerobics, Zumba. Once you find something enjoyable, it’s easier to keep up, and the effects will be more pronounced and last longer.
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Chiropractic care - Chiropractic care is a great option for keeping the spine and body healthy. Chiropractors may be able to remove restrictions from the vertebrae of the spine, work out various areas of tension, and reduce overall pain. Regular care not only reduces current pain, but may also prevent the pain from recurring in the future. It’s a great way to keep the pain away even when travel has to be a part of your everyday life.
If you would like to add chiropractic care to your life, visit with chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. At The Joint, getting care is easier than ever before. Just use their walk-in visits and affordable pricing to get the care you need without the stress or hassle. Living a busy life is a great way to stay active and happy, and now you can even do it pain-free! Get your health moving in the right direction beginning with a quick stop at The Joint as soon as today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Colo.