5-Tips To Avoid Back and Neck Pain On Your Next Road Trip

by SpineSurgery India Spine Surgeon in India

Some people prefer driving over flying, it just depends on how far away your destination might be. For those who are driving it is important to take a few precautions to make yourself more comfortable in your car. When you are driving it definitely puts a lot more stress on your body than if you were flying. While you are driving you are actually doing quite a bit of movements to make sure your car is driving straight on the road. This can put a lot of stress on your spine over a few hours or even days of driving. It is important to have some helpful tools to help you so you don’t end up in pain when you reach your destination.

1. Stretch your back, arms and legs before and after your drive

Have you ever gotten to your destination after being on the road for many hours just to walk hunched over when you get out of the car? This happens a lot and that is why it is important to be as limber as possible when you drive as this will make it easier on your spine while you drive.

2. Make sure you support your lower back

Most cars now a days come with a lumbar support feature. Make sure you adjust the lumbar accordingly. If you do not have that option in your car you can purchase some seat cushions or pillows to make you more comfortable. If you are tight on cash you can always roll a towel up and use that as a make shift lumbar support for your seat. Note that the widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline.

3. Take driving 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 and stretch and walk at rest stops and towns along the way. Taking just a few minutes to do some stretches for your back and limbs can make a big difference in preventing pain.

4. Bring some sort of cooling device such as 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.

5. The most important thing is maintain good posture

It is important to maintain good posture while driving to prevent injuries to your back and neck. Try to avoid slumping in your seat, which is easy to do while driving on long road trips. Keep your pelvis as far back as possible in the seat, keep your spine as straight as possible, and let your shoulders relax.

Treatment after That Long Road Trip

You don’t have to live with horrific back pain, Spine Surgery India can help you get back to normal. We can help you get back into tip top shape, whether you need pain management, physical therapy or surgery. Contact us today +91-84475-92299 or mail us info@spinesurgeryindia.com for a consultation.