Whether you’re visiting a relative or moving out of state, traveling can have a detrimental effect on your body. Some people even experience neck and back pain when stuck in a seated position for hours at a time. If you’re hoping to arrive at your destination without discomfort, use these simple tips.

How to Prevent Neck & Back Pain

1. Align Your Spine

After a while, it’s easy to slump forward in your chair, so your upper back curves and your neck cranes forward to read or look at traffic. To prevent tension in the neck and back, focus on elevating your sternum, dropping your shoulder blades and letting your head rest on the seat. Also, place your feet hip-width apart with both soles on the floor to align and support the spine.

2. Use a Support Tool

You can use several tools to support the spine when seated. For example, lumbar support pillows form to the small of the back to encourage your lower spine's natural curve. Alternatively, if you tend to fall asleep as a passenger, a circular neck pillow can prevent your head from tilting too far in one direction. You can also wear a brace to help hold your shoulders back and keep the upper back aligned.

3. Take Breaks

If you're on a plane or a bus, try to stand up and stretch at least once or twice each hour. When standing, your spine will naturally align and the movement will facilitate blood circulation. Whether you use the restroom or just take a quick walk up and down the aisle, you'll help the body reset. If you're driving, you can even get out at a rest stop and take a minute to stretch out.

If you’re tired of dealing with neck or back pain after a trip, turn to the experts at iSpine Pain Physicians. They serve patients from their locations in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell and Delano, MN, offering several pain management solutions. Whether you could benefit from nerve injections, radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation, they provide a wide range of life-changing treatments. To learn more about their services, visit their website. You can also call (763) 201-8191 to schedule an appointment in the Twin Cities area today.