Stay Well During Road Trips

Road trips can be a lot of fun. Many retirees and families alike enjoy either weekend or extended road trips practically year round. While out seeing sights and discovering new and exciting places, just be sure that you do not cause spine-related pain to flare up or aggravate an existing back problem. Here are some helpful tips for keeping you comfortable while travelling.

Clear Your Back Pocket

Many people, especially men, will drive with items such as wallets, cell phones, business cards and the like in their back pockets. However, doing so could actually throw your spine out of alignment and cause chronic pain. This problem is amplified for those who drive with items in their back pockets habitually or during longer road trips, as the sciatic nerve can become compressed. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, a spine condition known as sciatica can develop. Sciatica causes leg pain and numbness.

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Think Ergonomics

When driving, try not to lean into the wheel. Instead, adjust your seat to make it so that you can reach the steering wheel without having to lean forward. You can also use a lumbar pillow to support your lower back. Having this extra support could be especially helpful during longer road trips. Do be sure to keep your knees slightly higher than your hips. Further, it is important to not stay in the same position too long, as doing so may cause pain and stiffness. Finally, be sure to also adjust your mirrors in a way that you can easily check them while also remaining good driving posture.

Healthy lifestyle choices and being mindful of your spine health can serve you well in managing pain and preventing issues from ever occurring! Stridewell Tips

Take Frequent Breaks

The fun part of a road trip is the journey, not just the destination. Be sure to enjoy your journey and take your time arriving to your destination, even if that means leaving a day or two earlier than initially planned. When you are behind the wheel for too many hours a day and are not allowing yourself frequent breaks, you certainly increase your odds of experiencing spine-related pain or aggravating an existing spine condition.

Share The Wheel

If you are travelling with another licensed driver, be sure to share the task of driving during your road trip with them. Driving requires you to remain in similar positions and causes muscle tension. Being a passenger, if only for a little while, gives you a chance to relax and unwind, which should in turn relieve muscle tension.

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