Holiday Travel Can Be a Pain in the Neck…or Back

Relieving Holiday Stress with Chiropractic Care

Traveling at the holidays can cause aches and pains, especially in the neck and back. Whether you’re riding in the car or traveling in an airplane, sitting for long periods of time can be hard on your joints. In addition, travel can cause stress that leads to muscle tension and more aches and pains. Knowing how to avoid this problem can help you enjoy the coming holiday season.

Get An Adjustment Before You Leave

Your chiropractor should be able to identify subluxations and problems with your back before you leave on your trip. Getting an adjustment before you go will relieve pressure on your joints and muscles, thus lessening your pain.

In addition, your chiropractor can teach you to perform stretches and exercises that you can do while enroute to your destination. These stretches and exercises will help improve blood flow to your muscles during your trip and will help you avoid pain while you’re on your journey.

Tell your chiropractor that you’ll be leaving town, and what method you’re using to travel. Your chiropractor may be able to recommend a special travel pillow to provide support to your spine.

Take Frequent Breaks From Driving

If you’re taking a long car ride, stop the car frequently to stretch and move around. This will prevent your muscles from getting stiff and painful while driving. If you are traveling with a companion, take turns in the driver’s seat to avoid muscle aches.

Get Up To Walk Around On The Plane

If you’re using a plane to reach your destination, get up to walk every hour or hour and a half. If possible, ask for an aisle seat to make this easier for you and less annoying to your fellow travelers. Walking around on the plane will prevent your muscles from becoming stiff, so you’ll feel better when you arrive at your destination.

Manage your Stress

Holiday stress can contribute a great deal to muscle tension, pain, stiffness and injury. Managing your stress can help you avoid this discomfort. Your chiropractor will be able to recommend strategies for managing stress at this difficult time of year.

• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can make your problems feel more overwhelming and less manageable. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night throughout the holidays, especially in the days before you leave for your trip.
• Eat right. Green, leafy vegetables, dark chocolate and blueberries are all foods that can help regulate mood and improve your outlook at the holidays, but these aren’t the only foods that can help you feel better and stay happy at the holidays. Your chiropractor can help you by suggesting a healthy diet that can reduce stress and improve your mood while you’re away.
• Exercise. Exercise prompts your body to produce endorphins, which can make you feel better and reduce your stress. Exercising throughout the holidays is important for managing stress, especially while traveling. Wherever you go, bring your running shoes and sweat clothes to make exercising a realistic possibility.

Contact Kuna Chiropractic

At Kuna Chiropractic, we help our patients manage the discomfort and stress of holiday travel. Using natural, holistic treatments, we help relieve patients of their pain and make suggestions that can help patients avoid muscle discomfort in the future. For more information about avoiding back and neck pain this holiday season, or to get an adjustment from our talented chiropractor Dr. Kevin Rosenlund, contact us today at 208-922-5057.