Are you planning a trip away over these Bank Holiday weekends?
Perhaps you are a visiting us here in Eastbourne. Have you been looking forward to the Spring and these Bank Holidays in quick succession?
If you are planning a trip, don’t just worry about packing your bags carefully, or topping up the car with water. It’s worth remembering to look after yourself properly too.
Back pain is a common problem but is easily preventable.
You and the family might start the journey feeling great, full of energy and excitement, but if you get stuck in a seat with bad posture travelling for hours you might end up arriving stiff and worn out which in turn could ruin your bank holiday plans.
New market research* reveals how these extended periods of extensive travelling and poor posture could take their toll on your back, causing back pain and back ache.
43% of the people living in the South East are currently experiencing back pain, while 72% have suffered from back pain at some point in their lives. Almost a third of people end up suffering with stiffness or back ache after travelling.
The last thing you want on holiday is to be in pain. Given that more people than ever will be on the roads over these weekends, it’s well worth looking after yourself and thinking ahead. Even if you’re just planning local trips around Eastbourne and the South Downs, then it’s still well worth considering your driving posture. Driving itself triggered back pain in 10% of sufferers.
James Revell (Doctor of Chiropractic & Clinic Principal) from Lushington Chiropractic comments:
“With the back-to-back Bank Holidays this Spring, more people will be travelling, which means more sitting. Our bodies are not designed to be still for long periods of time. Sitting, especially in bad seats can increase in stress on your back, particularly if you’ve already got a bad back or sciatica.”
So if you want to arrive after your journey feeling and looking good, rather than all scrunched up and achy, make use of our back pain prevention travel tips:
Travel Tip #1
When you are flying, drink plenty of water and NOT alcohol during the flight as this will cause dehydration which could aggravate muscle aches (as well as increase the risk of DVT).
Travel Tip #2
Whether travelling by plane, train or car – you will be restricted in your seat for most of the journey, but avoid stiffness by doing shoulder shrugs (hold shrug for five seconds repeat five time), buttock clenches (hold for five seconds and repeat five times) and foot circles (ten clockwise and ten anti-clockwise). A great way to prevent back pain.
Travel Tip #3
If you get stuck in one of those inevitable Bank Holiday traffic jams then take a break and stretch your legs. A five minute leg-stretch-break can make all the difference.
Travel Tip #4
When you stop for a petrol/food break on a car journey, take the opportunity to just stretch and shake out your limbs to allow your muscles to relax. Use the petrol pump furthest from the kiosk, or park on the far side of the car park to get a little extra walk in. Your body will thank you in the long run.
James Revell adds “I’ve noticed with my patients that, like myself, when we arrive after travelling it’s all too easy to sit down again! When you get to where you’re going, whether it’s meeting friends, family etc. Try to stand up for the first 20 minute or so to give your body the chance to uncurl.”
“Many of us worry more about looking after our car than we do about looking after our own bodies. Prevention is better than cure. Look after your muscles and joints, after all they have to last you a life time. You can’t just trade your back in for a new one every few years. Your back is with you for life and well worth a bit of tender loving care.”
These travel tips have been provided by your local award winning chiropractics team at Lushington Chiropractic. Our clinic in Eastbourne has already helped thousands of local people by diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent back pain. To find out more about our treatments for back pain please call 01323 722499 or visit www.chirocare.co.uk.
Don’t forget to ‘like’ the Lushington Chiropractic Facebook page.
Related
Archives
Call now 01323 722499