Thinking of taking a road trip? Be sure to keep these back facts in mind while on the road!
http://www.chiropractic.on.ca/back-facts-while-on-the-road
Road trips are a rite of passage for many Canadian families. A lot comes to mind when preparing for the perfect Canadian getaway, but what you may not associate with your road trip is back pain. At any given time, 15 per cent of the population suffers from chronic low back pain, while even more Canadians suffer from acute back pain. A common contributor to acute back pain is improper posture while on the open road. Below are a few factors to consider before you pack up and head off into the sunset.
- Get comfortable
Seat adjustment is critical for avoiding pain on the road. The first thing to do is adjust your seat to fit you. Starting from the top, the head rest should be centered squarely on the center of your head. Next, adjust the headrest so it is at the middle of the back of your head which will help support your neck and reduce strain. If your seat provides little back support, roll up a towel or pillow and place it between your lower back and the seat for more support. Make sure you aren’t leaning back too much, as that could make you strain to reach the pedals and the steering wheel. Then, adjust your rear-view mirror so you get the best view when your posture is correct. - Bring an ice pack
Bring a cooler packed with some ice packs to relieve pain on the road. If you need to ice your back, limit it to 15 minutes at a time. Also, make sure there is a barrier, such as a towel, between the ice and your skin. - Frequent pit stops
Scheduled pit stops give everyone a chance to stretch and change out of a seated position for a short period of time. Each stop also provides an opportunity to refresh and reduce tension that has been building up in your body. Consider doing things like taking a short walk to increase circulation of the blood and oxygen to the tissues. Doing stretches, like making large circular motions with the arms or stretching the legs with bigger strides, can help to loosen up the shoulders and hips which tend to get stiff on the road.
If you keep these suggestions in mind, you’ll be better prepared to battle, or better yet avoid, back pain woes while out on the open road.
Sources:
- http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-619-m/2006003/4053542-eng.htm
- Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD1, Vijay Singh, MD2, Sukdeb Datta, MD3, Steven P. Cohen, MD4, and Joshua A. Hirsch, MD5, Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology, Scope,and Impact of Spinal Pain, 2009.
- http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/27148/138353/avoid-summer/
- http://www.spine-health.com/blog/7-tips-alleviate-back-pain-your-road-trips
- http://www.brainandspinesurgeon.com/2010/06/24/six-tips-to-avoid-back-and-neck-pain-on-your-next-road-trip/
- http://www.michaelgleibermd.com/blog/214-how-to-prevent-back-pain-on-your-next-road-trip.html
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-prevention-driving.aspx