Chiropractic Care Can Help Long Haul Drivers
By Paul Rothbart
Moving goods of all kinds around the country is essential to commerce and consumers. This is mainly done by truck. Big, bigger, and huge vehicles constantly move across interstate highways fighting traffic and the elements to make the delivery on time. Even people are transported from city to city in buses. Maneuvering these behemoths is the job of long-haul drivers. It's a tough way to make a living involving a lot of time spent away from home and family. It can also be very hard on the body. There are a number of health problems drivers are prone to. Chiropractic care can be helpful in alleviating many of them. Here are some of the issues drivers often develop.
Musculoskeletal Problems
Long-haul drivers spend long periods of time sitting in one position. The seat may not have ideal support, the driver must use the legs to operate pedals, including a clutch that may offer considerable resistance. In inclement weather, a driver may have to lean forward to see, stressing the back and neck. Subluxations in the spine are very common as are tight muscles in the back, neck, and joints. Seeing a chiropractor in between trips may be very helpful. Subluxations are adjusted, joints restored to full range of motion, and tight muscles loosened. Anyone who drives long hours for a living should consider a visit to a chiropractor.
Stress
Professional drivers are constantly under stress. There are deadlines to meet, accidents and traffic jams to avoid, and weather to negotiate. Sometimes an alternate route must be taken which can throw off a schedule. The fear of being ticketed for speeding to make up lost time can be very stressful. While chiropractors cannot do anything about the conditions on the road, many people do find that regular care helps them manage stress better. This can make the drive smoother and more enjoyable.
Sleep
Good sleep is often difficult to obtain for a long-haul driver. Grabbing a few hours during a trip, sometimes in a cramped space in the back of the cab is the norm. A driver must learn to maximize the quality of every minute of sleep. Chiropractic care may be helpful. Relieving pain and aiding stress management can make it easier to fall asleep and improve those precious hours of rest. Many chiropractic patients find that they do sleep better. This could be of great value to a driver.
Long-haul drivers have a difficult and important job. In performing it, they are subjected to conditions that can cause health issues. Drivers should consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed so you can stop by when it suits your schedule. There are also more than 600 locations across the country so you can pay a visit while traveling. Chiropractic care may give you that extra edge to keep going mile after mile.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eureka, Mo.