With the lovely month of May bringing us two Bank Holidays (and hopefully some decent weather!), many of us will be planning a day trip with friends or family. But if you suffer from low back pain, what would once seem like an enjoyable day out might now be extremely daunting. But having a bad back doesn’t necessarily mean that you can no longer enjoy those spring days out like you used to –it just means you may have to be a little more cautious…
Here our Fareham chiropractor shares some useful tips on getting through a big day with back pain:
1: Listen to your Body
If a certain movement or position causes or worsens pain then stop what you are doing and don’t reattempt it again. Pushing yourself too hard or ignoring your symptoms will just make it more difficult to manage your pain throughout the day.
2: Don’t Rest Too Much
It can be tempting to rest more when you know you have a big day ahead of you but remaining active is usually the best thing for a painful back.
3: Remember your Posture when you’re Out and About
Good posture isn’t usually the first thing on people’s minds when they’re enjoying a day trip with the family but it’s critically important if you suffer from back pain.
4: Change Positions Often
If your trip means a long journey or periods of sitting or standing in one place then make an effort to move around/ change position every 20 – 30 minutes. If you need to pull over at a service station and take a gentle walk, then do so. Your back health and comfort is far more important than a few added minutes to your journey!
Here are some other important points to remember:
- Sit and drive as little as possible and avoid sitting on soft, low chairs or sofas.
- Make sure any tables at restaurants are at a comfortable height for you.
- Take a lumbar support with you on your journey or use a pillow or a rolled up towel as a form of support.
- Avoid bending at the waist. When standing from a sitting position, shuffle to the end of your seat, place your feet directly underneath you and then stand.
- When travelling in a car, adjust your seat so that a curve is maintained in your lower back and your hips are lower than your knees.
- Be careful of your back when you get out of a car. Instead of twisting, swing both legs together.
Taking a small amount of time to take these precautions can make all the difference between enjoyment and disaster. And you deserve to enjoy!
Our renowned team of chiropractors are here to help and advise you on all aspects to do with your back pain.
For friendly advice or to book an appointment, contact us today on 01329 280 283 or email frontdesk@homewoodchiropractic.co.uk