Our Multicare Health Clinic Discusses Traveling For The Holidays
The holidays are the time of year when people travel the most. Some people visit family for a week or more, and others travel to visit family members who live close by for a day or two. If you suffer from chronic pain, traveling can be trying. Below are a few tips that you should know before heading out this holiday season.
Traveling By Car
If you are traveling by car, whether you are the driver or a passenger, you should get comfortable the moment you get in the car. If something minor irritates you, it can result in raging pain later. When you get in the car, remove everything from your back pocket. Even something small like your wallet or your phone can throw your spine out of alignment.
It is important that your back is aligned with the back of the seat. If you cannot get comfortable sitting this way, you should bring a pillow with you so keep against your lower back. If you are going to be driving, you don't want to reach for the steering wheel. This will put added stress on your necks, shoulders, spine, and your wrists. It is best to sit as close to the steering wheel as possible.
Finally, you should make frequent stops so that you can get out of the car and stretch your legs. It may set your schedule off, however, since pain can ruin your holiday plans, it will be worth it.
Traveling By Plane
If you are going to be traveling by plane, you will likely be in the air for two hours or longer. This doesn't count the amount of time that you spend waiting in line to get through security and to get on the plane. There are a few things that you can do to avoid aches and pains while traveling by plane.
First, if possible, pack lightly. You are going to need to carry your bags for a while. If they are heavy, your pain can flare up. If packing lightly isn't an option, you should use a cart.
Before leaving the house, you should take your pain medication. Also, take it with you in your carry on. Before you are ready to land, you can take another dose. This will keep your muscles relaxed when it is time to disembark. To keep your back from hurting, you should bring a pillow on the plane with you and put it between your lower back and your seat. This will give you the support that you need.
Finally, you should get up and move around for five minutes every hour. While up, you should bend forward as much as you can to stretch your back muscles. Also, stretch your arms up over your head and stretch your calves by pointing your toes. If you stretch your muscles periodically, there is less risk of them tensing up and causing you pain during your holiday trip.
Contact Our Multicare Health Clinic in Sioux City, IA Today!
Unfortunately, pain cannot always be avoided. If you are suffering from traveling aches and pains this holiday season, you should make an appointment with Multicare Health Clinic in Sioux City. A chiropractor can give you an adjustment that will relieve the pain and get you back into the holiday spirit.