Spring break is a time most people look forward to. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, you can spend more time outdoors in nature or going on trips. But if you suffer from back problems, the idea of being active or traveling might fill you with dread.
Everyone deserves a break from their routine and a bad back shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the season like everyone else. To help you make the most of it without doing yourself any harm, follow our tips on how to take care of yourself during spring break.
Drink lots of water during spring break
The importance of staying hydrated gets talked about a lot, but that’s because it’s key to maintaining the health of almost every part of your body. Staying properly hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your joints lubricated so they don’t cause you pain when you move.
The average adult should drink at least 0.5 gallons of water every day. That’s the equivalent of eight 8-ounce glasses. If you’re spending time in a warm climate or are doing lots of outdoor activities that cause you to sweat, you should aim to drink more.
Ask your chiropractor for more lifestyle advice. It’s surprising how much of an impact little changes can make.
Think about your luggage
If you’re going on a trip, you can start to take care of yourself before you even leave your home. When packing your luggage, choose a suitcase with wheels so the ground will do most of the heavy work, instead of your back and shoulders. If you only have a suitcase without wheels, try and pack as lightly as possible, so you don’t over-exerting yourself.
If you’re planning on wearing a rucksack during your travels, secure all the straps provided each time you wear it. These straps are designed to spread the weight across your body and will reduce the odds of you damaging your back.
You should also be mindful of the way you pack it. Your heaviest items should be at the bottom of your rucksack, close to your back. This keeps the bulk of the weight close to your body, making it easy to carry.
Bring your own pillow
You may not be able to sleep in your own bed if you’re going on a trip, but you can bring your own pillow.
Sleeping on a different mattress with an unusual pillow can force you to lie in a position your body isn’t used to, causing you to wake up in discomfort each morning. Bringing your own pillow from home will help ensure your neck is in a comfortable position during the night, reducing the chance of you hurting your neck.
Packing a travel pillow to use on long flights is also a good idea. If you’re planning on sleeping during your flight, a quality travel pillow will provide your head and neck with the support they need. This will help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
Stretch regularly
Sitting in the same position for extended periods of time can harm your spine. You probably already know this if you work with a computer and spend most of your day sitting stationary at your desk.
The best way to avoid the aches and pains that come with staying still for too long is to move and stretch whenever you can. If you’re going on a road trip, stop the car every so often and take a walk. If you’re going on a long flight, walk up and down the aisle whenever it’s convenient to do so.
Even just stretching out your arms, legs, and neck while in your seat can be beneficial.
Take it easy during spring break
You may want to do it all over spring break. But doing too much too soon can cause an injury that could easily ruin your vacation. Instead, take it easy and do things gradually. If you’re not used to walking long distances, don’t try and do a four-hour hike. If you’re new to yoga, don’t sign up for an expert masterclass.
You can still do all the things you want to try during spring break, just don’t overdo it. Your body will thank you for it when you get home!
Schedule an appointment before your trip
A simple spinal adjustment can provide immediate, long-lasting relief. If you expect your spring break plans will cause havoc with your back, schedule an appointment with your chiropractor in advance.
Tell them about your concerns and what you plan on doing that may put your health at risk. They’ll be able to provide you with the treatment right away and give you extra advice on how to best take care of yourself to avoid further injury and aggravation.
You can do it
Suffering from constant aches and pains can drastically reduce your quality of life. While you can’t go back in time and prevent the injury that caused the issue, you can manage your discomfort so it interferes in your life as little as possible.
Use our advice to take back control and manage your pain so you can take advantage of one of the most beautiful times of the year and enjoy it, just like everyone else.
About the author
Matt has been helping providers within the healthcare setting for over a decade realize how best to solve a patients problem by understanding the individualism of each patient and what their true needs are. To focus on the patient and they “Why” they need their particular service that goes beyond the initial reason for them to seek treatment.
In the Chiropractic world now for over 3 years, Matt not only takes the knowledge he has gained from other healthcare services he has supported, but also has access to over 75 years of combined real life hands on experiences from the many doctors within the Veeva Chiropractic landscape.
