Road Trip Tips!

Hey everyone! Today we're going to be talking about how to protect your spine while traveling. If you would rather watch a video, you can always check out my Facebook page and watch it on there. 

Let's get started! First, there are a couple proactive steps you can take before you get in the car. Number 1, go get adjusted by your chiropractor! Your spine will thank you. Next, you can stretch out your hamstrings, quads, glutes, and hip flexors. If anyone has sat for any longer than a couple hours, you can attest to how tight these muscles in particular start to feel after a short time. 

Once you're in the car there are a few things you can do. First and easiest thing you can do is take everything out of your pockets, especially if you keep you're wallet in your back pocket. If you do this, you can keep your pelvis level and therefore your spine straight. Another thing you might not think of with keeping your wallet in your back pocket is that it will wear your carseat unevenly, and might cause an unending vicious cycle of your pelvis not being level. The next thing that can keep your spine healthy is keeping a good posture. Easier said than done, I know... But, luckily your seat can be adjusted in such a way that maintaining a good posture can be easier. Make sure your seat is far enough from the wheel and pedals that you're not cramped, but not so far that you are hunched over trying to reach the wheel. Most cars also have a lumbar support adjustment, so make sure it helps maintain that lumbar curve. This will be easier to adjust if the back of your seat is not leaning too far back or too far forward. Make sure your headrest is adjusted so the back of your head actually rests on it. Other than this, try not to lean to once side or the other, as this causes muscle imbalances and spinal asymmetries. One more thing you can do is to flex your muscles while you're driving. Contract your core, set the cruise control and bounce your legs or march in place, squeeze your butt together, or just shake it off like T-Swift! This obviously engages your muscles and prevents spasms and tightness, and it also increases blood flow to muscles as well. 

Perhaps the easiest one that everyone knows, is to actually take breaks and get out of the car. I hate taking breaks on road trips, but it's much more important than you might think. Most recommendations, that includes mine, is that you stop at least once every couple hours for about 10 minutes. Other than allowing you to stretch your legs out and feeling great, it also prevents blood clots from forming in your veins due to the blood not moving enough. It also wakes you up a little bit, which makes driving safer. 

Great! This actually helped, but I'm still feeling pretty stiff... Got any tips for that Mr. Dr. Lance??? Well yes I do, get adjusted again! How did you not see that coming? So, go back to the main page and call that number, which is (763)432-3921 in case you don't want to do that, or send in a request to get contacted! Travel safe everyone, and God bless!!