Holiday travel can easily cause pain in the neck and other parts of the body. Knowing how to avoid this pain can help you stay comfortable while en route, and can help you enjoy your time when you reach your destination. The following tips will help.
Get Up and Stretch Regularly
Sitting for long stretches of time will cause muscle stiffness and pain, so it's important to get up and stretch regularly while you're traveling. If you're in a plane or on a train, ask to sit in the aisle seat to make this easier. If you're in car, make frequent pit stops just to get up and walk around.
Take Turns Driving
Driving locks your body into a specific position and can put strain on your muscles. Taking turns driving gives your body a break and reduces muscle tension. If you're traveling with another adult, switch drivers every couple hours to make it easier on both of you.
Bring Your Pillow from Home
Your pillow from home should be contoured for your body, while the pillows at your destination may not be suitable for your needs. Bring your pillow from home to enable you to sleep comfortably while you're away.
Wear Good Shoes
Wear good shoes that provide support to your neck and back. This encourages good posture, thus reducing pain all along your spine.
Bring Neck Support for the Ride
Buy an ergonomic travel pillow for the ride. The pillow you choose should offer support to your head in the event that you fall asleep. If possible, try several different travel pillows at the store before choosing the pillow that's right for your neck.
Be Smart With Luggage
Luggage can cause many aches and pains for travelers at the holidays. Keeping your luggage as light as possible is important. To reduce luggage loads, try sending gifts in the mail ahead of time so that you don't have to bring them with you on your trip. Use a bag that has wheels to avoid pain from lifting. Finally, if you're traveling by plane, check your luggage. Lifting bags up into the overhead bins can cause strain on your back and neck, leading to pain later in the day.
For more information about getting neck pain relief at the holidays, talk to your medical professional. He or she can give you advice and show you stretches that can help you avoid neck pain while you're traveling. Contact a doctor like Isaacson Wayne MD for more info.
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