The holiday season is upon us and for many that means holiday travel. As many go by land, air and sea we have a few tips to make it through without the aches and pains hours of flying or sitting in a car for hours.
- Lumbar Support
- Move around
- Drink water
- Empty your pockets
- Heat and ice
- Relax after traveling
Whether you are flying or driving for long periods of time make sure your back is fully supported. A pillow or blanket can help straiten the spine saving you pain later.
If you are driving in a car it is recommended to stop every hour to move around and stretch the muscles. If this is not possible or you are flying it is important to switch positions every half hour and flex as many muscles as possible.
Drink lots of water during the journey, particularly if you are taking back pain medication. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these only dehydrate you further. Also try to eat healthy nutritious snacks.
Do not carry your cell phone or wallet in your back pocket. If you do it can create an abnormal sitting position tilting one hip higher which may cause you to have problems.
Carry a heating pad or ice pack if needed. Try using a heat pad to ease back pains and sciatica symptoms. Heat pads can be thin enough to be comfortable when driving or flying. They deliver a constant therapeutic heat which can be good to ease pain.
Traveling for several hours is hard on the body. Sitting in a cramped space for hours at a time is not good for the back, muscles, nerves or overall well being. Relaxing after a long days travel is extremely important. Try taking a hot shower or a long bath. It will help relax the muscles and distress your body and brain.
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