With spring break and summer around the corner, now is the time to prepare for your next road trips. No matter your destination, the process of getting there can take a serious toll on your body, which is why Atlas Injury to Health is here to provide tips to ensure that your vacation is as pain-free as possible.
Care for Your Body
It can become quite harmful to remain in one position for an extended amount of time, which is why it is so crucial to take precautions to make sure your body is taken care of during travel. You can accomplish this by doing the following:
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is one simple yet critical way to look after your body while on the road. Ensuring that your body is properly hydrated will aid in the fight against stiffness, discomfort, and joint pain. Regularly drinking water will also help to reduce muscle cramps, keep joints lubricated, and will aid in your recovery upon arriving at your destination.
- Bring Healthy Snacks
While it may be tempting to pull over and stop to get some fast food, it is both easier and healthier to pack some snacks for the ride instead. Since fast food is typically full of added sugars and chemicals, it won’t provide the nutrition needed for lasting energy. Try to carry snacks like fruit, trail mix, or vegetables – all of which are both convenient to eat on the go and full of essential nutrients.
- Take Breaks
Taking a break every two hours to get out of your car and walk around will help to keep your body flexible and prevent stress and tiredness from the long ride. Regularly taking breaks throughout your trip may also be necessary if you are staying properly hydrated.
Good Posture
A successful road trips may also require practicing good posture while in the car – this practice can be done at any time no matter the length of your trip.
- Support Your Back
You can achieve good posture by sliding as close to the seat as you can to ensure that your lower back is as close to the seat as possible. If done correctly, there should only be around a two-finger distance between the back of your knees and the seat. If you require back support, consider using a lumbar roll between your lower back and the seat.
- Adjust Height
Your car seat should be at the height where your eye level is about three inches above the top of the steering wheel – keeping plenty of space between your head and the car’s roof.
- Recline Your Seat
Your seat should only be a few degrees greater than 90 degrees, between 100 and 110 degrees. As you drive, this seating position places the least amount of strain on your back all while keeping both your neck and head in the appropriate alignment.
If you are currently suffering from lower back pain or other physical distress, Atlas Injury to Health in Winter Garden, Florida, will provide you with the care that will meet all of your needs. Dr. Michael St. Louis utilizes a variety of techniques to help his patients reduce stress, relieve joint pain, fix lower back pain, minimize tension, and help with cognitive-communication throughout the body. At Atlas Injury to Health, your wellbeing is put first and at the top of our priority list.