Summer is in full swing! Whether your family is packing up the car for a weekend getaway or dusting off the suitcases for a few weeks abroad, it’s likely you’ll experience some type of travel discomfort. If you have pre-existing neck and back pain, there are steps you can take to prepare your body for travel. If you do not typically fall victim to muscle pain or aches, it is still smart to take precautionary strides towards preventing a stiff neck or back.

What You Should Keep In Mind:

Some tips that can help maintain good neck and back health when traveling include:

• Be smart when lifting luggage – Avoid back strains by correctly lifting luggage. Be sure to bend at your knees and utilize your leg muscles– not back muscles– to lift heavy baggage. Pivot with your feet as opposed to your lower back when lifting. If you are carrying a bag on one shoulder, remember to alternate sides. To ease the effort of lifting, make sure to distribute weight evenly amongst luggage and pack as light as possible.
• Bring your own support – Cars, planes, buses, trains, and boats do not always provide comfortable approved seating. Bring your own support pillow to lean or sit on. If you forget a pillow, a rolled-up sweatshirt or towel works the same for long flights and car rides. An inflatable neck pillow is also great for providing a direct form of neck support.
• Move and stretch – It is easy to become stiff if you allow your body to sit stationary for hours at a time. Get up and move! Sitting in one position for an extended period of time stiffens the back muscles specifically and puts stress on your spine and shoulders. Movement stimulates blood flow and leads to an increase in energy and a decrease in muscle stiffness. Park the car and stretch, or take a walk down the center airplane aisle. Get up and move as much as possible.
• Easy, quick, cheap pain relief – No matter where you are, you should have access to a cheap hot or cold pack. Applying heat or cold to an irritated area will reduce pain and discomfort.

Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos, our specialized chiropractor, has been in the medical field for 34 years, treating patients for their back and neck complications. Her practice offers holistic healings to help alleviate the pain that occurs in the spine and nerves. To make sure you are in good health, contact her office to make an appointment and discuss your spine health at (631) 473-8182.