Although traveling can be a wonderful experience, it can also be a pain in the neck – literally. Sitting for hours can easily force your spine out of alignment, leaving you feeling achy and out of sorts instead of having fun.
But it’s possible to stay healthy on the road. Here are some ways to protect your neck and back while traveling.
- Posture ChecksWhen you’re sitting for a long time it’s easy to slump and curve your shoulders forward. Looking down at a phone or book pulls your head forward, straining your neck. Try to remember to lengthen your spine and pull your shoulders back. Place your feet flat on the floor. Lift your reading materials up as close to eye level as possible to prevent strain on your neck.
It’s easy to slip back into old posture habits, so it may be helpful to set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to check your posture every 30 minutes or so in order to protect your back while traveling.
- Stay HealthyKeep yourself healthy on vacation by taking care of yourself. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. To keep your muscles flexible and relaxed, walk around and stretch as often as possible. Spine health in travel directly parallels full-body health, so do what you can to care for your whole body.
- Tools for the RoadWhen your lower back flattens out against a seat it throws off the curves of the rest of your back. A small pillow to support the low back will protect your whole back. A neck pillow will support your neck and head, especially if you doze off. Use a small footstool to ease pressure on the knees, hips, and low back.
- When You ArriveWhen you get to your destination it’s time to give your back some extra TLC. If you’re stiff and a little sore then try heat treatments, such as a hot bath or heating pad. Ice will help bring down any inflammation you may be experiencing in areas with a lot of pain. And to restore your body’s natural balance and spine health after traveling, see a chiropractor! Trips are supposed to be fun, not painful, so don’t wait to feel better.
100% Chiropractic has locations all over the U.S. Wherever you go, we’re there to support the health of your whole body so you can enjoy your adventure. Contact your local chiropractor today and we will get you back on the road in comfort.