Chiropractic Tips: Avoid Summer Road Trip Back Pain
By Sara Butler
Road trips are one of the best things about summer, but they can be something people with back pain do not look forward to. Luckily, there are several things those who suffer from back pain can do to help reduce the impact of the pain on their summer fun. At The Joint Chiropractic, the chiropractors work diligently to educate patients about the various ways they can stay comfortable but still have fun. Here are some tips to help if you suffer from back pain and muscle pain when driving long distances!
When You’re Packing
Believe it or not, back pain can start before you ever get in the car! When you’re packing for your trip, be careful how you pack up your car. Improper lifting techniques can make back pain worse. You should make sure to bend at the knees when lifting bags from the ground and use the power of the muscles in your legs and hips to lift, rather than your back. Get help if you’re lifting heavy things, too.
Have a Partner
When driving long distances, it’s best if you have a partner to help share the driving. When you’re behind the wheel for too long, it can make the chance you’ll experience back pain or discomfort even higher. Drive with someone else who can take turns and allow you to take a load off in the passenger seat every once in a while.
Take a Break
It can be appealing to drive like the wind to get to where you’re going, but you should stop at least every couple of hours. Get out the car, stretch, walk around – just get out of the posture you’ve been locked in for so long. Take a stroll and spend some time rolling your neck, arch your back, rotate your arms around, and bend forward. Get your circulation going for just a few minutes, then get back on the road again!
Drink Water
Making sure to drink plenty of water really helps you in a couple of ways. It helps to keep you hydrated throughout your journey, which helps to keep your joints flexible and lubricated. It also helps the discs between the bones in your spine to do their job more efficiently, adding to your comfort. Plus, drinking lots of water will ensure you stop frequently to get out and stretch!
Before you set off on your summer road trip, come in to see the chiropractors at The Joint. And if you need help on the road, The Joint has more than 400 clinics nationwide to serve you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bellevue, Wash.