5 Ways to Prevent Low Back Pain When Traveling
Ah, the joys of travel! New sights, exciting experiences, and… an achy back? Whether you’re jetting off for a beach vacation or hitting the road for a business trip, travel can take a toll on your spine. Long hours in cramped airplane seats or behind the wheel can leave even the most enthusiastic traveler wincing in discomfort. So, how can you prepare properly?
Below, we explore how you can avoid back pain this trip or vacation, ensuring you get to see all the sights or do all the activities you hoped. So, without further delay, let’s dive in.
1. Pack Smart
Use a lightweight, wheeled suitcase and pack it evenly. This means distributing weight evenly in your luggage to avoid straining one side of your body when lifting or pulling it. Consider using packing cubes to organize and balance your belongings.
And if you’re using a backpack, place the heavy stuff on the bottom!
2. Bring Proper Lumbar Support
Bring a small, inflatable lumbar support pillow for your seat. This compact travel companion can be easily inflated and adjusted to provide crucial lower back support in various seats. When not in use, it takes up minimal space in your carry-on. And if you don’t end up needing it for your back, it also seconds as a pillow for getting a bit of shut-eye.
3. Mind Your Posture
Use the BBC method: Bum to Back of Chair. This means sitting with your bottom against the back of your seat, maintaining the natural curve in your lower back. If needed, use a small rolled-up towel for additional lumbar support.
4. Lift Your Luggage Carefully
When lifting bags, bend at your knees, not your waist. Keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting. If possible, ask for assistance with heavy items.
5. Choose Your Seat Wisely
On planes, opt for an aisle seat when possible. This allows you to stand up and stretch more easily without disturbing fellow passengers.
In a car, adjust your seat to maintain a slight bend in your knees and easy reach to the steering wheel. And take plenty of driving breaks to allow time to move and stretch.
While you can be as prepared as possible, your Noblesville chiropractor understands that sometimes, despite your best efforts, back pain can still crash your travel party. That’s where we come in! If you find yourself dealing with persistent back pain after your travels, or if you want personalized advice on preparing for an upcoming trip, our team at Anchor Health Chiropractic is here to help!
Ready to make back pain a thing of the past on your future travels? Give us a call or book an appointment online today. Let’s work together to create a travel wellness plan that keeps you comfortable and pain-free, from takeoff to touchdown and beyond.
