The Holiday season is fast approaching, which means that many of us will be traveling long distances in order to spend time with family and friends. Travel can be very stressful on your body, especially if you already have existing back and neck problems. The following are some tips for healthy and safe Holiday travel:
- Whether you are driving or flying, make sure that you bring something to provide support for your back. For lower back pain, the small pillows provided by your airline should be enough to help prevent slouching and the resulting pain. Neck pillows are an easy and inexpensive way to mitigate neck pain during travel.
- While seated for extended periods of time, try to change positions frequently to improve circulation in your body and avoid cramping. Massage your legs and calves and move your legs side to side and up and down when you begin to feel stiff.
- Similarly, shrug your shoulders up and down and back and forth. Take deep breaths and stretch your neck gently by moving your head side to side.
- Strong air flow can increase tension in the back and neck. Adjust air vents so that they are not blowing directly on you.
If you adhere to any of our tips, remember this: stretch your neck, shoulders, legs and back once you reach your destination. Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time can worsen pain and put stress on the spine, so your body needs a good stretch after you arrive at your destination.
