In a couple months, summer will be here. This is the time to go on summer road trips to visit friends and family or have a much needed vacation. A Market Watch report indicates that 1 in 3 Americans planned on taking summer road trips in 2020. Road trips are a great time to go somewhere new and start new memories with loved ones. Of course, long trips can take a toll on your physical health. This is why we created this helpful article, which shares some tips to help prevent back pain from interfering with your summer fun. Let’s take a closer look at these tips below.
1. Safely Pack Your Vehicle
Before you start your 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 Regular Breaks
Regardless of how long your trip is, it’s important to stop and take breaks every couple hours. This is a good time to stretch, walk around, go to the bathroom, 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 easy, quick exercises to help reduce or prevent pain and stiffness. These exercises also increase your blood circulation, oxygen, and energy levels.
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 on the road. However, fast food usually contains high sodium and sugar that only provides 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.
Rather than eat fast food, you can bring a variety of healthy food for your trip. This will help you feel good and give you the lasting energy you need.
Healthy Food Suggestions:
- Fruit
- Low-sodium jerky
- Nuts
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Vegetables
- Yogurt cups
4. Stay Hydrated
Like fast food, it can be tempting to grab sugar-rich drinks to keep you alert on the road. While these drinks may taste good, they only offer temporary energy boosts and don’t provide the proper hydration your body needs. Indeed, water is the best choice to stay properly hydrated, especially during hot summer months.
Water Benefits:
- 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 Good Back Support
When you sit in your vehicle for long hours, this typically causes you to slouch. Slouching is more comfortable than sitting up straight. Of course, this slouching may contribute to you experiencing pain in your hips, lower back, mid-back, upper-back, neck, and/or shoulders. Aside from the tips above, you can invest in a good back support pillow. This ergonomic pillow helps 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 to maintain your health and prevent injuries or pain. 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 might 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 or discomfort.
We hope you enjoyed these easy tips to 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. Contact Keystone Chiropractic in Plano, TX today to learn how we can help you be ready for your summer trips!
