Summer Travelling Can Take Its Toll On Your Back

In our recent post Are you up up and away this summer? our chiropractors at Cliff Chiropractic Clinic in Southend shared advice to help keep your back safe if you are flying to your holiday destination this summer. However, for many, reaching their destination may mean driving, taking the train or hopping on a bus.

Regardless of the means of transport, our chiropractors want you to travel safe and keep your back in tip top condition. Here are our chiropractors top tips for back safe travel this summer:

Keep moving: Keeping your body loose and avoiding stiffness is imperative. If you are confined into a tight space or even sitting in your car in traffic there are simple exercises you can do such as shoulder shrugs, and buttock clenches which will help keep you moving. Avoid sitting for long periods in one position by moving around. If you are in the car, stop at regular intervals, this is not only good for your body it is important for your safety. The last thing you want is to fall asleep at the wheel! When you reach your destination get moving as quickly as possible.

Stay hydrated: Keeping you body hydrated is important for your overall health and the health of your spine. Drink plenty of water.

Watch your back lifting and carrying: Holidays inevitably mean luggage! Usually heavy luggage which sometimes can be awkward or stored in awkward places. Always be mindful of your back when lifting and carrying your luggage. Lift with a straight back, your legs at hip  distance apart and bend at the knees. Avoid twisting your body when lifting. Reverse the process when putting the luggage down.

If you are driving to your holiday destination then you may want to remind yourself of how to adjust your driving position to protect your back by watching a video that Arif, one of our experienced chiropractors at Cliffs has made.

 

Driving This Easter? Keep Your Back Safe

Easter is nearly upon us and many if us will be taking to the roads to get away. While it’s great to get away unfortunately spending hours at the wheel can take its toll on our bodies including our backs.

In a survey undertaken by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), 25% of people surveyed felt that driving affected their posture. This is important to consider as if your driving position is negatively impacting your posture it may lead to back pain or neck pain.

One of our experienced chiropractors at Cliffs Chiropractic in Southend, Arif Soomro, wants to share some tips to make your driving more comfortable and to give you less chance of getting neck and back pain.

The first step to consider is to enter your car comfortably. That means try and avoid twisting your back and keep your knees close together.

There are several stages to finding a comfortable driving position which requires adjustments to the back rest, seat, steering wheel, headrest and safety belt.

Arif has created a video to take you through step by step the necessary adjustments. You can watch the video below.

 

Of course driving comes with a lot of stress which can also cause tension in the back and neck. To avoid as much stress as possible here are a few tips to follow:

Allow plenty of time for your journey. Take into account traffic and weather conditions that could impact on the time and factor in plenty of breaks if it’s a long journey.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Leave the tight clothes and high heels at home.

Take regular breaks. Stop for a break at least every two hours and get out of the car and have a walk around and a stretch. If you are in discomfort then you should stop more frequently.

If you are stuck in traffic, and it’s safe to do so, do some exercises in your seat. Buttock clenches, shoulder shrugs and circles are all good stretches you can do in a seated position.

Remember to relax and enjoy the journey.

If you heading away this Easter then drive safely and have a great journey.