The holidays are just about here, and while holiday travel can pose challenges to your spine, with the right strategies, you can enjoy a pain-free adventure. From long flights and extended car time to carrying luggage, each aspect of travel can be managed to ensure your spinal health. This guide offers insights into managing spinal health during holiday travel, providing hope for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
It’s Time for Some Serious Travel
According to AAA Travel, travel is expected to hit record highs this year, as nearly 80 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home for the holiday. This projected number shows that almost 2 million more people will travel for the holiday than last year, and this year, holiday travel numbers are expected to set new records across the board.
So what does all that travel mean for your health? It could potentially mean a lot of neck and back pain. During extended travel, you’ll spend hours sitting, cramped in one seat with limited options for movement. Whether by plane, train, or automobile, a total lack of movement for hours or even days is enough to make anyone's back and neck sore. Add in the fact that all that sitting may lead to hours of bending your neck over a book, phone, or other mobile device, and you can throw in a case of tech neck to mix as well!
Upper cervical chiropractic is the best gentle, non-invasive, drug-free treatment available for all types of neck and back pain. If you spent one too many hours on a long flight or cross-country drive, be sure to schedule an appointment with Doctors Tim and Danielle as soon as possible so they can help to get your spine realigned.
Embarking on a Spinal-Friendly Holiday Journey
Pre-Travel Preparation
When you have to lug around luggage and carry-on items, every pound counts and packing light is essential. Opt for lightweight luggage and pack only essentials to reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Also, look for wheeled luggage to avoid as much carrying and lifting as possible.
Before your departure date, begin a routine of spinal health exercises. Flexibility and strength can help to mitigate discomfort during long travel periods. We also suggest visiting Atlas Specific for a pre-travel adjustment to get your trip started in proper alignment!
During Transit
Whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile, support your lower back with a pillow or rolled-up blanket. Maintain your knees at a right angle to ease spinal pressure, and carry a travel pillow or neck pillow that maintains neck alignment.
Throughout your journey, take a moment to stand up, stretch, or walk as often as possible to keep blood flowing and prevent stiffness in your body and spine.
When lifting luggage or placing carry-ons in overhead bins, practice proper form when lifting. This means bending at the knees, lifting with your legs, and keeping the back straight to avoid injury.
Destination Wellness
Be mindful of sleeping accommodations and select locations that offer supportive mattresses. If space allows, consider bringing your own pillows to help support and maintain neck alignment.
During holiday exploration, always make sure to balance rest with activity. Gentle walking can
keep your body flexible, muscles engaged, and spine healthy.
Don’t Forget the Stress
The holiday season can have a tendency to bring almost as much stress as joy to some of us. Whether it’s the stress of travel, the stress of cooking a big dinner, or the stress of crazy relatives, there is no shortage of stressors during the holiday season.
The nervous system is the master control panel of our body. Optimal communication between the body and the brain helps with both stress reduction and stress management. An injured, damaged, or less-than-optimal functioning nervous system can increase the effects of stress on the body. This is where upper cervical chiropractic can help resolve some of the stress you’ve just been through and prepare you for managing the rest of the upcoming holiday season like a champ.
Nurturing Your Spine on Holiday Adventures
Travel doesn't have to be a pain in the back. By incorporating mindful practices and preparations, you can protect your spinal health and enhance your travel experience. From the planning phase through to your return, each step offers an opportunity to support your spine.
This Year, Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care
This holiday season, protect your spine and your health by taking care of your wellness first. Beyond getting scheduled for Upper Cervical Care, be sure to ask Dr. Tim to go over the benefits of the Cellcore line—a foundational medicine approach to whole body health, detox, drainage, and wellness.
Make sure that you and your family are ready to take on all the joy, travel, food, and stress of the holiday season by scheduling your appointment with Atlas Specific today! Call us at 970 – 259 – 6803, drop by our Durango, CO Office, or click the link below at any time to schedule an appointment or start a free consultation.
You could be a gentle correction away from a happier, healthier holiday season!
Notice of Disclaimer:
We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website are for informational and educational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of the patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice.
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