Ways To Beat Back Pain While On Vacation
If you're the type of person who suffers from back pain periodically, you want to be sure that you don't have a flareup of pain when you're on a vacation. Whether you're camping, sightseeing or seeing your favorite sports team in action, the last thing you want is to be stuck in bed nursing a sore back. While it's possible that you might be able to find a health professional who can treat your back on your vacation, this isn't always possible – and you probably would rather take proactive steps to limit the risk of developing this pain in the first place. Here are some ways to stay comfortable and keep back pain at bay.
Avoid Long Driving Periods
Driving for multiple hours at a time might help you reach your destinations sooner, but it could also leave you in pain by the time that you arrive. Staying in a seated position for long stretches can put your back into a painful position, especially if your vehicle's seat isn't very comfortable. Make a point of stopping frequently and getting out to stretch – there's no magic interval that will prevent pain, but the more you pull over, get up and move around, the less likely your back pain is to appear.
Hit The Hotel Gym
Walking is an effective way to keep back pain at bay, so make sure that you're getting the chance to walk frequently. It's worth rising a little earlier in the morning to visit the hotel gym and take a short walk on the treadmill before the adventures of the day get underway. If your hotel doesn't have a gym, ask a front desk attendant for the location of the nearest walking trail and take a walk.
Position Pillows Properly
Some people with back pain dread sleeping in hotel beds because they might not provide the same support as the bed at home, but you can overcome this challenge by supporting your body with pillows. A pillow under your lower back or knees, if you sleep on your back, can help to maintain your spine's natural curvature and prevent discomfort during the night. If your room doesn't have adequate pillows, simply call the housekeeping department and ask for a few more.
Wear Comfy Shoes
Footwear that doesn't provide proper support can exacerbate your back pain. For example, if you're wearing high heels more than usual, your might begin to develop a sore low back. A vacation isn't the time to experiment with new footwear – stick with shoes that provide support and keep you comfortable, especially if you'll be walking a lot.
If your back pain has been severe and you have a vacation coming up, make sure you seek treatment from a physician like those at Southwest Florida Neurosurgical Associates before you leave.
