It’s hard to believe it, but Thanksgiving is just a little over a week away. The holiday season may be different this year, but many people are still traveling. Traveling can take a toll on your health, especially on your spine. Here are some of our travel tips so you can enjoy the holidays without back pain.
Start with an Adjustment
As you prepare for your trip, make sure you add chiropractic to your to-do list. Whether you’re traveling by air or car, sitting for a long period of time can be hard on your body. Pressure can build up in your blood vessels in your lower legs and your neck, shoulders, and back may be strained. Dr. Brandon Bird can help keep everything in proper alignment to relieve current pain and prevent it from returning.
Regular adjustments can also help prepare your body for the stress it undergoes during travel. There are many challenges associated with taking trips – rushing to your gate, sitting in traffic, hauling heavy luggage, or simply sitting cramped up for hours. Make sure your nervous system is functioning at its best with chiropractic care.
Tips for Traveling:
By Air:
If you plan to travel by air this year, try to pack light to avoid back, neck, or shoulder strain. If your bag is more than 10% of your body weight, be sure to check it. It may be more of a hassle than a carry-on, but keeping your body healthy should take precedence.
It’s best to stay seated while flying, especially as airlines may want you to stay seated with added COVID-19 precautions. That doesn’t mean you can’t move around and stretch! Exercises like foot lifts can help keep circulation flowing – simply rock your feet back on your heels and then up on your toes. Give yourself a mini leg massage, stay hydrated, and try propping your feet up on a bag to change positions.
By Car:
When traveling by car, set yourself up for success with loose, comfortable clothing and back support. You can prevent stiffness by making slight adjustments to how you sit and rolling your shoulders forward and backward. Take advantage of cruise control to roll your ankles if you can, but you can also try tightening and relaxing your calf and thigh muscles to get some movement to your legs.
You may not make the same stops you usually do this year, but you can still schedule short walks around rest areas or parks along your journey. This will help break up the trip and give your body a break.
Your health and wellness are our chiropractic practice’s top priority, so be sure to stop in and see your local Voorhees, NJ chiropractor before you travel for the holidays. To schedule your next adjustment, just click here!
