How to Commute Without Back Pain
By Genevieve Cunningham
Unless you’re a part of the very lucky few, your commute to work is probably relatively significant. The average commute in the United States is more than 25 minutes long. That’s almost an hour a day in commuting alone. It doesn’t include any stops in traffic, nor does it include the other times that you have to spend in the car. While this is generally not a big concern, there are a few negative aspects to all that time spent commuting. One of the most common complaints is an increase in back pain for long-term commuters. If you suffer from commute-related back pain, check out these tips for keeping your spine healthy and pain-free.
Adjust Your Angle Often
Sometimes we forget that the seats in our vehicles can actually be moved. We can bring them forward, send them back, or adjust the levels and height of our back. If you commute regularly, it might do your back some good to change it up regularly. This not only relieves pain and tension that builds after sitting in the same position for long periods of time, but it also encourages better posture. As we move our chairs, we tend to sit up straighter and pull our shoulders back without thinking. Any time that you notice your back is getting a little sore, try this method. You might find a great deal of relief simply from adjusting your position from time to time.
Get Additional Lumbar Support
The lower back is one of the most often reported sore spots in the back. We use the low back to support ourselves, and then we also use it to lift and carry things and work in general, so it often gets strained and sore. To help this part of your back, try buying some additional lumbar support. This might be in the form of a small pillow, or it might look more like like a curved apparatus of some sort. You can find these at most big general department stores, or you may be able to ask either your doctor or chiropractor for advice on the best one.
Add Chiropractic Care
Adding chiropractic care to your routine is one of the single best things that you can do for your back. Chiropractors focus specifically on the spine. They adjust misalignments of the vertebrae using spinal manipulation. This not only properly aligns the spine, but it also relieves pain and tension, increases flexibility and range of motion, and brings a whole host of other benefits to your life. The benefits might be felt during your commute, throughout your workout, or all day long.
If you would like to try chiropractic care, check out The Joint Chiropractic. At The Joint, getting care is easier than ever with walk-in visits and an affordable pricing plan. You can get the care you need without the hassle or stress. Keeping your back healthy for the commute is important. The healthier you are and the better you feel, the better you can perform at both work and life. Boost your health and protect your back with a quick trip to The Joint as soon as today.