To celebrate the start of the summer season, families everywhere are packing their bags with hopes of soaking in some sunshine! Check out these tips and tricks to help alleviate back pain during long car rides!
1. Get comfortable immediately.
Take the time to make sure you’re comfortable from the moment you set off on your trip. The smallest irritant in the beginning of your trip can turn into raging pain later. Don’t have your wallet, cell phone, or anything else in your back pocket, as that may throw your spine out of alignment.
Reduce reaching for the steering wheel, which places more stress on the lumbar spine, neck, shoulder, and wrists. Instead, sit as close to the steering wheel as possible without compromising your safety.
2. Get out and move around
Your spine is designed to move. Sitting in one position in a car will stiffen up your back muscles and can lead to achiness and possibly muscle spasm. If possible, plan ahead for to schedule stops—ideally every 30 minutes—and get out of the car so you can move around and stretch. Movement stimulates blood circulation, which brings nutrients and oxygen to your lower back.
3. Bring along a cold pack
If you have back pain, it may be a good idea to bring an ice pack or cold pack along in the car with you. Most back pain is accompanied by inflammation. Applying a cold pack can reduce the inflammation and numb sore tissues. Please remember to always use a towel or another protective barrier to avoid ice burn.
This article was originally posted on Spine-Health.com