How to Make Travel More Enjoyable with Chiropractic Care

7.29.22
Benefits of Chiropractic, Prevention

couple on road trip 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:

Seated spinal twist

Neck and shoulder rolls

Seated knee tucks

Seated calf raises

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.

"Dr. Wade has been wonderful! I never thought spinal care was a preventative health measure until I started here. The entire staff are very accommodating and friendly! My back has never felt better! I plan to continue to come for maintenance."
Amanda S.

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Marguerite R.

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Kyle M.

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Diane Z.

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Zach G.

"At my first appointment, I couldn’t stand up straight. I am now able to go back to my regular exercise routine. The staff is very knowledgeable, very friendly and organized. I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment, even when the office is very busy."
Amanda B.

"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.

"From the moment you walk into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every single patient's name. They treat you like family and put a lot of emphasis on your care. I started coming to this office when my son was about 4 months old and now at 11 months old, I have seen SO much progress with his neck that I myself started to see Dr D. and I am very grateful to have found such a wonderful place."
Nichole C.

"Dr. Wade and the front office staff are fantastic. The office is friendly and super efficient. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seen. Dr. Wade got my back feeling better. I’m feeling healthier and have much more energy."
Corey M.

When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.

"Being a fitness instructor and lifetime athlete, it is important that I keep my body healthy and moving. Pat DeFrancesco has been a huge help in this process. He is extremely knowledgeable, but more importantly he truly cares about my wellness & well being. He goes above and beyond & I feel lucky to have him on my wellness team. He leads by example in all areas of health & to me that is so important. Pat and team are top notch!"
Darcy

"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.

"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela P.

"Dr. D has been providing an integrative approach to the health and well being of my family for over 25 years. He is not only a highly skilled practitioner, but is a compassionate and caring person, not only to his patients but to the community.
Susan K.

"The administrative staff and practitioners are all friendly, capable, efficient, and very responsive. In addition, Dr. Keith Wade is knowledgeable, passionate about his craft, patient and thorough in answering questions. As a direct result of all that, my low back, ankles an knees feel much better, I am in less pain, and I am less afraid that my back will keep hurting or "going out." I am very grateful."
Malinda B.