Strains, Pain and Automobiles
by Dr. Paul Byers

Read Strains, Pain and Automobiles by Dr. Paul Byers to learn more about Byers Chiropractic and our Chiropractic office in Kent, WA.

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Strains Pain and Automobiles

Travel in any mode can be physically demanding. Although the final destination is a luxury travel, it can leave you tired, stressed and in pain.

The following advice will help you to travel more comfortably, and more safely:

Warm Up and Cool Down
Tourism or traveling is a form of strenuous exercise, that need time for heating and cooling. To warm up and stretch before the trip, and cool with a brisk walk, when you get to cheer up your calf muscles and hamstrings.

Car Travel

* If you are driving, adjust the seat to be closer to the wheel that can be very comfortable. Keep your knees slightly above your hips.

* Use the back if the seat does not provide adequate support for the design. This helps reduce the risk of low back pain and injuries. Support would be the greatest if it is between ribs and waist.

* Exercise your legs while driving to keep the blood flowing and reduce any swelling or pain. Count to 10, while the toes widely open, count to five, while strengthening the calf muscles, followed by the muscles of the thighs, glutes (buttocks), roll your shoulders back and forth (in keeping your hands on the wheel!).

* Another take the wheel with his hands at 2 and 7 o'clock positions, then 10 and 5 o'clock positions.

* Try not to take the wheel too tightly, which reduces traffic and increases fatigue in the muscles of the hands, wrists and arms.

* Vary the focal point for reducing eyestrain and headaches, but keep your eyes on the road.

* Take frequent breaks from driving, remember that driver fatigue can be deadly.

Air Travel

* The aircraft seats are not very favorable to the spine. Right foot, become familiar with the normal curve of the spine, then rolled towels used to create the curve when sitting. Use another between the neck and the headrest.

* Bags heavier than 5-10% of your body weight should ideally be checked instead exercised. Lifting heavy bags in the baggage can damage your back. Regardless of the weight of the bag, so make sure you stand in front of the room and do not twist your back or neck when you lift.

* In the seat of luggage should not be forced by using the hands or feet in a standing position, which can cause muscle spasms due to limited space between the seats and awkward. Instead, sit down first and then push to use both hands and feet.

* Move the head frequently to maintain blood flow and protect against cramps. Massage your thighs and calves, then press with fingers to move the knees up and down. Use a bag to lift the feet high.

* Do not jump to a fixed ventilation openings, which can cause your neck and shoulders tense.

Traveling Safely with Kids:

* Use an approved safety seat appropriate for the child's age, while riding in a car.

* Infant car seats should always look back so that the impact is distributed around the back and shoulders and not directly by the neck.

* A car seat should not be used in the front seat of a car air bag can deploy in it. Similarly, the rear doors or rear of the front seats are equipped with air bags, place the child seat in the middle of the back seat to avoid being struck by any of them.

* Secure the car seat by following the instructions and make sure it is firmly in place and can not move. The seat should be at a 45 degree angle to properly support the baby's head.

* Air travel, ask if a seat can be used, which is safer than placing a child in your lap.

Chiropractic Care is There

If you are in any lingering pain following travel, seek the advice and help of a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat people of all ages.