Traveling Over the Holidays?
After spending hours in a car or plane to visit family for the holidays, muscles and joints can become stiff and sore, making pain an unfortunate consequence of traveling. These tips will help you avoid travel-related discomfort.
Take Breaks
Remaining in one position for too long affects your posture and may strain your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Frequent breaks reduce stress on bones and tissues and may help you avoid post-trip pain. If you're traveling by car, stop every hour for brief stretching breaks. Traveling by plane? Take a few laps up and down the aisle every hour.
Stretch It Out
Stretching before, during and after your trip works out the kinks, relaxes your muscles, and increases blood flow to your muscles and joints, helping you avoid neck and back pain.
Don't Overpack
Unfortunately, the heavier your bag, the more likely you'll strain or injure muscles, joints, and tissues in your neck or back when you remove it from the trunk or try to hoist it into an overhead compartment. If you can't lift your bag without straining, it's best to reevaluate what you've packed.
Make Your Seat More Comfortable
Use a neck cushion or pillow (or a rolled-up travel blanket or towel in a pinch) to support your neck during your trip. If lower back pain is a problem for you, buy a lumbar cushion designed to fit and support the curve of your back.
Visit the Chiropractor
Avoiding travel-related aches and pains can be as easy as making an appointment with your chiropractor before your trip. You're more likely to experience pain or an injury if your muscles are already tight or your spine is misaligned. Equally important, visiting the chiropractor when you get home can prevent minor pain or soreness from becoming major problems.
Do you have a trip planned soon? Now's the perfect time to schedule your pre- and post-trip chiropractic appointments. Contact our office to make your appointment.
