Family summer road trips are up there with baseball, hot dogs and apple pie - an American tradition. These days, many families opt for the open road when it comes to holidays, vacations, and the chance to see the country. But sitting in a car for hours on end can take a toll on your spine.
Dr. Michael Dorn of Baltimore Back and Pain Center says, "You need to protect your back during a long car trip whether you have had a history of back pain or not."
Most people with back or neck pain find the prospect of a long car trip to be daunting. Millions of Americans experience the most common form of back pain: muscle tension. It turns out that being behind the wheel of a car puts drivers at great risk for this since they're in a static position at the very time that their sense of awareness is most heightened. Driving requires constant tension, which itself can create the scenario for muscle pain.
Dr. Dorn recommends the following steps to help prevent back pain while driving:
SUPPORT YOUR LOWER BACK. If your car seat doesn't offer enough support for your lower back, there is a wide selection of seat cushions, pillows, and other things on the market that can help make you much more comfortable on the road. If you don't want to spend the money, you can always roll up a towel and create a cushion between your lower back and the car seat. Keep in mind that the widest part of the support should be between your waistline and the bottom of your rib cage.
TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time is sure to exacerbate your back pain or cause strain. Make sure you take the time to get out of the car and stretch at rest stops along the way. Stretching for just a few minutes can make a big difference in preventing pain.
BRING ICE PACKS. You'll probably be traveling with a cooler anyway, so pack a few extra ice packs to relieve pain on the road. If you need to ice your back, limit it to 15 minutes at a time. And make sure to wrap the ice with a towel before placing it on your skin.
MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE. It's important to maintain good posture while driving to prevent injuries to your back and neck. Try to avoid a slumping posture and keep your pelvis as far back as possible in the seat. Keep your spine as straight as possible, and let your shoulders relax.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP. If you follow these simple tips on the road, you can enjoy pain-free, safe travel. Of course if you do experience pain and stress on your back, Dr. Dorn is trained and licensed to diagnose and treat problems of the spine and nervous system. He can help you alleviate your pain naturally, so you can relax and enjoy future road trips.
If you or someone you know suffers from travel-related back or neck pain, call Baltimore Back and Pain Center today to make an appointment at (410) 662-4476 or request an appointment online at
www.baltimorebackandpaincenter.com.