Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
It feels like summer just began, but August is here and back to school advertisements are everywhere. If you’re like a lot of people, you’re probably hoping to cram in one or two more road trips or getaways with your family before school begins, but the prospect of spending extended time in a vehicle if you have back pain can be worrisome. We want you to enjoy these last few weeks of summer and your upcoming road trip even if you have back pain, so we’re going to use today’s blog to share some tips for getting the most out of a summer road trip despite your penchant for back pain.
Preventing Back Pain On Summer Road Trips
Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain or your back only seems to hurt after an extended seated period, a long road trip can certainly intensify back pain symptoms. Here’s what we recommend for keeping back pain at bay during an end of summer road trip.
- Pre-Trip – Keeping your back pain in check when you’re on the road begins before you ever get in your car. Make sure that you pack some over-the-counter pain relievers and refill any prescription medications in advance of your trip so that you have enough to get you through your trip. Plan to leave a little earlier than normal so that you can stop to stretch your legs and your back without falling behind schedule. Consider packing a small towel or pillow to position behind your lower back or neck for additional support and to help you maintain a more ideal posture when driving.
- On The Road – Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re driving to help your body and your spinal tissues remain hydrated. This will also help to boost healthy circulation, reducing your likelihood of spinal muscle spasms. Make a couple short pit-stops along the way to get out and stretch your body, as this can really help to relieve static tension that has built up in your muscles during extended periods of inactivity. If you’re riding in the car, avoid spending too much time on your phone or hunched over a book, as “tech neck” can be even more amplified when you’re in a car and constantly subjected to minor bumps and turns. If there’s room, try to lean your seat back or find a more comfortable position in the back seat to relax a bit and take some of the stress of prolonged sitting off your spine.
- Once You’ve Arrived – Finally, you’ll also want to be protective of your spine once you’ve reached your destination, because if you aren’t, that drive back home will be brutal. Avoid being overactive on your trip, and make sure that you’ve planned some downtime so that you aren’t putting excessive stress on your back. If you do things at home to try and manage your back pain, don’t let your trip throw off your schedule. Seek out regular exercise, take your medications as scheduled and complete your home-based physical therapy program. Again, drink plenty of water and try to consume a healthy diet, as junk foods can be pro-inflammatory and amplify your back pain.
Reach Out to a Spine Specialists
Enjoy these last few weeks of summer, and make it a point to go into autumn without back pain if you’re dealing with chronic or intermittent back pain. Let Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute help you overcome whatever spine issue is ailing you. For more information on how we can help, or for answers to specific questions you’re having about your neck or back pain, reach out to our team today at (651) 430-3800.
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