As summer draws near, people are starting to plan their summer road trips to visit friends and family, move to a new state, or have a much needed vacation. A Market Watch report indicates that 1 in 3 Americans planned on taking a summer road trip in 2020. Road trips are a fun time to go somewhere new and make new memories with loved ones. Of course, long trips can take a toll on your physical health. This is why we created this article, which shares some helpful tips to help prevent back pain from interfering with your summer fun. Let’s take a closer look at those tips now.
1. Properly Pack Your Vehicle
Before you even start your road trip, it’s important to pack your vehicle properly. It’s recommended that you bend at the knees and use your leg muscles and hips to lift your luggage, rather than your back. This will help avoid causing you back pain, which isn’t ideal for a long drive. If you need to carry heavy items, ask for help from a family member or friend.
2. Take Breaks!
No matter how long your trip is, try to stop and take a break every 2 hours. This is a good opportunity to stretch, walk around, go to the restroom, and restore your energy levels. After all, being stuck in a vehicle can cause muscle stiffness and fatigue, as well as back, neck, and shoulder pain. You can do some simple, quick exercises to help reduce or prevent pain and stiffness, as well as increase your blood circulation, oxygen, and energy levels.
Quick Road Trip Exercises:
- Arch your back
- Bend forward
- Go on a short walk
- Rotate your arms
- Slowly roll your head from side to side
- Stretch your arms across your chest
3. Eat Healthy
Fast food is a convenient option when you’re on the road. However, these convenient food options are typically filled with high sodium and sugar that only provide temporary energy boosts followed by a “crash” period. This is not ideal because you will become quickly fatigued and may start to slouch over. Slouching over puts excessive pressure on your back and neck, which can lead to back and neck pain.
Instead of choosing fast food, you can plan some healthy food for your trip. This will help you feel good and give you sustainable energy on the road.
Healthy Food Ideas:
- Fruit
- Low-sodium jerky
- Nuts
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Vegetables
- Yogurt cups
4. Drink Enough Water
Like fast food, it can be tempting to reach for sugar-rich drinks to keep you alert on the road. While these drinks taste good, they only give you temporary energy boosts and do not provide the hydration your body needs. Indeed, water is the best way to properly hydrate your body, especially during those hot summer months.
Benefits of Water:
- Helps prevent pain and stiffness
- Helps prevent muscle cramping
- Carries oxygen to your muscles, which prevents muscle spasms
- Assists with proper digestion of your meals
5. Have Proper Back Support
When you sit in your vehicle for long hours, this typically causes you to slouch, which is more comfortable than sitting up straight. This slouching may contribute to you experiencing pain in your hips, lower back, mid-back and upper-back, neck, and/or shoulders. Aside from the tips above, you can invest in a good back support pillow. This pillow will help you maintain a healthy posture and reduce pressure placed on your spine.
6. Visit Your Chiropractor
Before your road trip, you take the time to get your vehicle ready. This involves checking your tire pressure, doing an oil change, and making sure your vehicle is in good condition for a long trip. Like your vehicle, you can benefit from visiting your local chiropractor for a “tune-up.” Depending on your health needs, you will receive a chiropractic adjustment that will help you maintain a healthy spine and address any spine misalignments you may have. Your chiropractor can help set you up for road trip success, so you start your trip feeling good. When your spine is properly aligned, you are less likely to experience pain, discomfort, or health issues.
As you can see, there are some easy tips that can help you have a successful road trip. The last thing you want is to be suffering from back or neck pain while on the road. This is why we recommend these handy tips to clients. Contact West Michigan Chiropractic in Portage, MI today to learn how we can help you get ready for your summer trips.