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How to Avoid Pains & Strains over the Holidays
5 January 2004
Source: Allegany Chiropractic Center
After a long, tiring trip, the ride alone can make you achy and irritated, not to mention the annoying sing-a-longs, and the continuous 'Are we there yet?' questions.
Take a few tips to save yourself additional stress and pain now and later in life.
- Treat your travelling, whether it be in a car, bus, plane, or train, as an athletic event. Follow these simple suggestions to help keep your holidays fun and joyful.
- Warm up by using simple stretching techniques (toe touches, neck stretches, arm stretches, leg stretch, etc.) REMEMBER stretch, don't bounce!).
- Roll pillows or blankets to place in the seat along your normal 'S' curved spine.
- Adjust the seat to your body, vary your arm position on the steering wheel.
- If driving be sure to breath deeply, something as simple as breathing can increase airflow, stimulate circulation, and reduce fatigue.
- If flying, check in all bags weighing more than 10 percent of your body weight.
- While lifting your bags, stand straight, away from the overhead compartment so the spine is not rotated during the process.
- When stowing belongings under the seat, do not force the object with an awkward motion using your legs, feet or arms.
- When travelling for long periods of time, stop at rest stops (if possible) to stretch and relax.
- If unable to stop, while seated, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps.
- Do not sit directly under air controls. The draft can increase tension in your neck and shoulder muscles.
- After arriving at your destination, be sure to end with a cool-down, this includes stretching your neck, shoulders, and legs to increase circulation.

