Road Trip!

Here are some tips to help prevent pain and injury while you are packing, loading up the vehicle and traveling to your destination.

• Use a back support for the natural curve of your back while sitting in the car, your knees should be at the same level or higher than your hips

• When loading the car with luggage, avoid twisting your back to put luggage in, make sure your feet are facing the direction you are lifting.

• Bend your knees when you are bending to pick up travel needs, avoid bending at the waist with your knees straight

• Hold luggage close to your body with your arms bent while carrying them

• Make a pit stop every hour to stretch your legs, do standing back bends 5-10 times to help counteract the effects of sitting

• If you are a passenger, use a neck pillow to support your neck while reading or sleeping

Happy Travels!!!

References:

North American Spine Society. 10 Tips for a Healthy Back ( 2016)

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Spine Conditioning Program PDF ( 2016)