8 Helpful Tips for Pain-Free Summer Travel

When it comes to pain-free traveling, the journey is just as important as the destination. Here are simple tips for taking care of your back on the road & in the air.

Pain-Free Tips During Car Trips

Car travel is often the economical choice for summer vacationers, but sitting in a car for hours on end can put a lot of pressure on your back.

Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the strain long car rides can place on your lower back:

• 1. If your car seat doesn’t offer enough support for your lower back, there are a variety of seat cushions, pillows, and other car aids on the market that are designed to make your car trip much more comfortable.
• 2. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, simply roll up a towel and create a makeshift cushion between your back and the seat.
• 3. Take time for breaks at rest stops and towns along the way to stretch and move around. Staying in the same position for hours at a time will only exacerbate your back pain. Even spending just a few minutes doing some back stretches may make a big difference in preventing pain.
• 4. Make sure you’re not sitting on anything (such as a wallet, money clip, or cell phone). If you are, it can aggravate back pain.

Air Travel Pain-Free Tips

Comfy, roomy first-class airline seats are an unattainable luxury for most of us. Unfortunately, coach seats are often cramped, restrictive, and offer little support for your back.

If you want to arrive at your gate pain-free, you should consider the guidelines below:

• 5. Request an aisle seat; it will allow you easy access to get up and move around.
• 6. On a similar note, take advantage if your airline offers special deals on seats with extra legroom.
• 7. Focusing on your posture is essential if you want your flight to be a bearable experience. Keep both feet on the floor and sit upright. Most airlines also offer pillows to passengers, and you can place one behind your lower back for extra support. However, firmer pillows are the best option, especially for long-haul flights.
• 8. Use rolling luggage and pack light. At the luggage carousel, don’t be afraid to ask for help in picking up your bags. If you are confident handling your own bags, take your time and don’t bend your spine as you lift.

We hope you’ll find these pain-free tips useful, and we wish you happy, safe travels as we near the end of this summer.

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Article Adapted from Source: Spine Universe