You dream of freedom and travel, and here you go, you’re off on your road trip! The only problem is, that you tend to have back pain when driving… Traveling long distances, sitting in a car or van, can be a real challenge for your spine. This discomfort could well ruin your getaway. But how can you avoid this? Fortunately, there are solutions to prevent this pain and fully enjoy your vacation! We’ll give you them right here.
Roadtrip and back pain how does it happen
Taking a road trip is particularly conducive to the onset of back pain. Indeed, you will have to adopt prolonged postures, whether you are the driver or the passenger. By sitting for a long time, your spine (spinal column) is under constant pressure. It is your intervertebral discs that suffer the most, which can lead to pain and a feeling of discomfort. According to a recent study published in The Spine Journal, static sitting significantly increases lumbar pressure Especially if the posture is poorly adapted (seat too inclined, lack of lumbar support, etc.)! The fact that you are not moving is largely responsible for the onset of back pain.
Equip yourself well, the basis!
Yes, how can you hope to combat back pain if you are poorly seated? It all starts with ergonomic seats, when possible. This is an important criterion in choosing your vehicle, whether you are buying or renting. Especially if you want to embrace the van life, your comfort is essential!
Some people will also be more comfortable using a lumbar cushion . His can also be an alternative if your seat is of poor quality. Ergonomic cushions are designed to perfectly fit the curve of your spine. This gives you better support during your journey.
Follow a special back pain program
It .is very common for back pain to be the result of a lack of strengthening of the back and postural muscles. Following a muscle strengthening program focused on the abdominal muscles and the back is therefore one of the solutions to solve the problem!
One way to exercise without risking making your pain worse is to consult a back pain coach ! hey will teach you simple and effective exercises that are accessible to all levels. You will discover the plank, the lateral sheathing or ,the vacuum. It will also allow you to develop your flexibility, to avoid stiffness in the spine. Stretching routines before and after the road will also help reduce muscle tension.
Tips to relieve back pain while traveling
There are a few tips you can easily implement during your trip to limit your back pain!
First of all, take frequent breaks . f course, this is for road safety reasons. But getting out of your car to walk around and stretch will also do your back some good. Some exercises to do while you’re stopped include twisting your torso, stretching your side, and stretching yourself.
In general, pay attention to your posture while driving ! I the height of your steering wheel and/or seat properly adjusted? Does your headrest support your neck properly? Poor adjustments are sometimes the cause of driver back pain.
Sleeping comfortably during your road trip
If your sleeping comfort is poor during your road trip, it’s no wonder you have back pain! We sometimes tend to neglect the quality of our mattrmattresses we are traveling. However, this can ruin the adventure.
Of course, the best of the best remains the traditional mattress (foam or springs), semi-firm and of quality. But this is only possible if you sleep in a van or a car converted for the occasion.
Sleeping comfort and camping
You may opt for camping instead, which means using an inflatable or folding mattress. In this case, read the characteristics of the mattress carefully, as well as the reviews of their users. A quality extra mattress will necessarily be more expensive than the less comfortable entry-level ones. But the difference will be such during your trip, that it can be worth the cost!
To increase your comfort, that goes without saying, but you also need to set up your tent in the right place. On a flat surface, which you have cleared beforehand (carefully remove stones and branches). To avoid the cold and the stiffness that it can generate, also have a sleeping bag adapted to the temperatures. You can also use an insulating groundsheet under your mattress for better protection. Finally, don’t neglect your sleeping position and the presence of a comfortable pillow!
