Five ways to stay pain free while traveling this summer

Jul 14
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The summer time rat race has begun. It is estimated that 45% of American families will be taking a trip this summer. While most summer travel is meant to be fun and relaxing, sitting in the car or on a plane for hours can lead to some unwanted pain. Before you load up the car to drive across the country or to the airport here are some easy to follow tips to ensure you arrive at your destination in the same shape you left.

Stop and stretch – This can make the difference between a comfortable trip and a trip to the emergency room. If you are heading out on the road with the family, be sure to stop every so often and get out of the car to stretch. This can help alleviate any hip or back pain that you might be experiencing. If you are flying, make sure to do some stretches prior to boarding the plane.

Check your posture – Whether you are sitting in a vehicle or on a plane, correct posture is a major key when it comes to keeping pain at bay while traveling. Bring a pillow and/or a blanket with you to act as lumbar support. Also, make sure your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle to keep stress off your lower back.

Proper luggage handling – Whether you are packing up your car or putting your luggage into the overhead bin, always remember proper lifting technique. Make sure to bend at the knees and lift items straight up and down. Avoid twisting your body while lifting heavy items. If you need to turn while lifting, pivot with your feet and move your entire body so that your feet are square with the object.

Ship ahead – This is perhaps the most underutilized option, instead of packing all of your luggage into the car or checking your baggage at the airport. Pack everything you plan on bringing that you won’t need with you while traveling into boxes and ship them to your destination. Especially when flying, this will help reduce the amount of luggage you are carrying with you.

Use a backpack – Avoid slinging a duffle bag over your shoulder as the uneven weight distribution could aggravate any back problems you may have. Use a good light weight backpack and utilize both straps.

 

 

Sources:

1. statisticbrain.com/summer-vacation- travel-statistics

2. spine-health.com