Travel Tips From Your Chiropractor

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

For many people, the holiday season means lots of traveling! Whether you’re crammed in a car or you were the lucky winner of the middle seat on a full airplane, traveling isn’t always the most comfortable. The only thing worse than uncomfortable travel is showing up to your destination in pain. We’ve thrown together some tips to help your travel be a little more musculoskeletal-friendly, with the ultimate goal of reaching your destination pain-free!

Travel Tips:

• SIT UP - proper posture is crucial in avoiding back pain. It’s easy to slump over and get comfortable for a nap, but make sure your awake time is spent in good posture. Use a lumbar roll (Amazon $20)! If you don’t have a lumbar roll, roll up a towel and place it behind your low back for extra support when sitting for long periods of time.

• ADJUST MIRRORS - when driving, position mirrors so that you must sit up with proper posture to be able to see them. This is a very easy way to break the bad posture habits when driving. 

• TAKE A BREAK -  I know, I know, you need to be to grandma and grandpa’s by noon. But I’m sure grandma and grandpa wouldn’t mind you showing up 15 minutes late if it meant reducing some muscle or joint pain. Be sure to take breaks every couple of hours to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and walk around a bit. Flying? When the seatbelt sign is off, take a stroll to the bathroom!

• STRETCH - get up, stretch your body and loosen up those tight muscles & stiff joints. Touch your toes, extend your arms, whatever you’d like. Always remember, any movement is better than no movement!

As always, feel free to reach out to us if you get to your destination and are in pain. We have numerous friends/chiropractic contacts all over the country that we would be happy to refer you to.

If you would like a more advanced and beneficial way to loosen up, check out this video on CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations):

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic