Driving can take a toll on your back, especially if you’re behind the wheel for hours at a time. If you want to prevent back pain while driving, one of the best tips to consider is making time for stretching along your road trip route. These stretches can help you stay relaxed and pain-free behind the wheel so you can enjoy your vacation.
Stretches for Preventing Back Pain From Driving
Stretching In Your Seat
As you hit the road, it's essential to take care of your back health. Luckily, there are simple stretches you can do right from the driver's seat to ease any discomfort.
Start with gentle neck rolls to release tension in your upper back and neck. Slowly tilt your head from side to side, feeling the stretch along the sides of your neck.
Next, try seated twists by placing one hand on the opposite knee and gently twisting your torso in that direction. This movement helps loosen up tight muscles in your lower back.
Finish off with some seated forward folds by reaching for your toes or shins while keeping a straight spine. This stretch helps elongate your spine and hamstrings, promoting better posture while driving. Just make sure you only perform this stretch while the vehicle is parked.
Make Frequent Stops to Stretch
Even if you’re trying to make good time, it’s important to stop every so often and stretch. As a general rule, try to stop and do some stretches every 90 minutes or so if you want to keep back pain from driving at bay.
Once you pull over at a rest stop, take a few minutes to stretch out your back muscles. Start by standing up straight and reaching toward the sky with both arms extended overhead. This will help elongate your spine and relieve some pressure.
Next, try doing some gentle twists from side to side while standing or sitting on a bench. This movement can help loosen up tight muscles in your lower back and increase flexibility.
To target your lower back specifically, consider doing seated spinal twists. Sit on the edge of a seat or bench, cross one leg over the other knee, then gently twist towards the crossed leg while looking over your shoulder.
Remember to listen to your body and only stretch as far as feels comfortable. These quick stretches can make all the difference in preventing or reducing back pain during long road trips!
Protect Your Back With an Adjustment Before Your Road Trip
Planning an adventure this summer? One of the best tips we’d recommend before a long road trip is to see your chiropractor. A chiropractic adjustment can work wonders in preventing back pain during those long hours of driving. By ensuring that your spine is properly aligned, you can reduce the risk of discomfort and stiffness creeping up on you mid-journey.
A quick visit to Healthy Life Chiropractic in Newnan, GA, before your adventure begins could make all the difference. Schedule your appointment today, and start looking forward to a pain-free road trip.