How to Prevent Back Pain on a Summer Road Trip

With summer travel season in full swing, you may find yourself behind the wheel at some point in the near future.

As fun as this can be, there’s something to remember: too many hours in the driver’s seat can wreak havoc on your health.

Here are a few key tips for preventing back pain on a summer road trip:

·      Adjust lumbar support: If your seat has this feature, adjust it regularly to suit your position and driving style.

·      Move your seat forward: This allows you to comfortably grab hold of the steering wheel, without the need to hunch over. It’s important to maintain good posture while driving.

·      Use your seat heater: Just the same as lumbar support, if your vehicle has this feature you should use it. A bit of heat from time to time will keep your back muscles loose.

·      Take regular breaks: Even though you’re in a hurry to reach your destination, regular breaks give you the opportunity to stretch your back. If you push yourself too far, you increase the risk of injury.

Don’t let back pain ruin your summer road trip. Instead, follow these tips to maintain your health from the moment you get behind the wheel.

Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.