After two years of staying home, 70 percent of Americans have leisure travel plans in 2022! Vacation is a great remedy to alleviate stress and spend quality time with loved ones, while exploring a new location.
Yet time spent on planes, trains and automobiles can wreak havoc on the body! If you develop sore muscles and stiff joints on the way to your destination, you could be dealing with discomfort throughout the trip.
How can chiropractic help make your vacation more enjoyable from start to finish?
1. Get Adjusted Before You Go
Make a chiropractic appointment before your trip to get ahead of potential aches and pains. Especially if you plan to be physically active on your trip, you do not want to risk getting sidelined while everyone else has fun.
Keeping your muscles loose and the spine aligned can reduce risk of discomfort or injury. Gentle spinal manipulation can remove any nerve interferences affecting your body to increase range of motion, improve posture and overall function.
2. Pack Smart
Specifically for air travel, a carry-on should not be heavier than 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. Anything more could lead to injury when lifting it into the overhead compartment.
Remember to bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift luggage off the ground to avoid a potential back injury. If you’re staying at a hotel, use the elevator rather than trying to lug suitcases up several staircases.
3. Adjust Your Seat
Whether in a car, plane or train seat, your hips should be lower than your knees when sitting. Once your seat is properly adjusted, sit up straight and keep both feet flat on the floor. For added lumbar support, place a pillow or cushion behind your back. On public transit, try to get an aisle seat for more room to stretch your legs.
4. Remember to Move & Stretch
Car travel is most conducive for frequent stops to stretch and walk around. Yet if you’ll be confined to sitting for several hours on a plane, change positions to prevent excessive strain on the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Perform stretches in your seat, such as:
Some people may develop symptoms similar to whiplash if the neck is not supported. To prevent headaches, a pins and needles sensation or restricted range of motion, relax the neck, use a travel pillow and remain seated upright.
5. Stay Well Hydrated
While drinking water may be low on your priority list, staying hydrated can help you avoid headaches, poor sleep and tight muscles during your trip. Especially in warm temperatures,
our bodies can lose water and become dehydrated faster. To protect the spine, lubricate the joints and ensure nutrients and oxygen are carried to cells, drink half your body weight in ounces each day. For instance, a 140-pound person should try to drink at least 70 ounces.
Regular chiropractic treatment can help you enjoy all seasons of life with less pain! To learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your next vacation and beyond, contact our team at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury today.
