Chiropractic Tips for Memorable Trips
By Sandy Schroeder
Are you ready for a spring trip? This may be the year to drive to a National Park with your family. Or, it might be fun to fly back to your home town.
Wherever you are headed, make sure everyone is in shape for the trip. Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to work out the details. Bring the whole family in to set up health profiles. Now is the time to spot any painful joint twinges or lingering muscle pain before you wind up sitting for long stretches as you fly or drive.
Your chiropractor believes your body’s overall health begins with the health of the spine. Using a spinal adjustment to correct any dysfunctions may relieve any pain and create an overall sense of wellness.
Your chiropractor can answer individual questions and set up a plan to monitor the whole family. As you head out for your trip, be prepared.
If You Fly
Here are some things to consider when you get on an airplane.
Protect your spine - Put a pillow behind your lower back, and another near the waist. Put a pillow behind your neck and the headrest.
Manage your bags – Check bags that are more than five percent of body weight. Avoid twisting the spine when you put bags in the overhead compartments, and never lift them above your head.
Change seating – Move around during the flight. Prop your legs up to avoid leg cramps. Extended sitting can restrict blood flow in the legs, creating dangerous levels of pressure in blood vessels. Doing ankle pumps to exercise leg muscles will keep the blood flowing.
If You Drive
If wheels are your mode of transport, keep these in mind.
Sit right - Move your seat close to the steering wheel and keep the knees slightly higher than the hips. Along the underside of your thigh, allow four fingers of space between the back of the knee and the car seat, and sit up straight.
Exercise Muscles – While driving, roll the shoulders forward and back, and tighten and loosen calf muscles. Loosen and tighten your grip on the steering wheel to release tension in the arms, hands and wrists.
Refocus – Keep your eyes on the road, but shift your focal point to avoid tension headaches and vision fatigue.
Take Breaks – Never try to push on through when you are tired. Stop frequently so everyone can stretch their legs and you can get coffee or a breath of fresh air if you need it.
Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to get started. Nationwide, The Joint has over 370 clinics that see over 3 million patients visits annually. They have simplified everything. An affordable care program eliminates the need for insurance. Weekend and evening hours are available, and walk-in visits are welcome.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.