Whether you plan to ride the tallest roller coaster in town, take a quick road trip, go camping, or even move to a new house, be sure to take these preventive measures to keep your back and neck pain-free, while creating enjoyable memories with your family!

1.    Amusement Parks

Before getting on a ride, especially those with a lot of G-force, try to relax your muscles and do a few stretches to loosen up.

If you come up to a ride that advises guests who suffer from back and neck pain to abstain from riding the ride, you should definitely skip that ride.

If you find that your back or neck is sore after riding any of the rides, you should probably cut the rides short for the rest of the day.

2.    Traveling

Men should remove wallets from their back pockets while sitting to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Remember to stop every few hours to stretch and keep muscles loose.

If you plan to be in the car for a long trip, roll up a towel or place a small pillow behind your lower back to support the lumbar spine.

Onboard an aircraft, prop your feet on either a briefcase or other small bag under the seat in front of you. Place a pillow behind your back and remember to stand up every hour to ward off back and neck discomfort.

3.    Camping

Your sleeping bag on the hard ground may not be the best sleeping arrangement if you are prone to back or neck pain. Invest in an air or foam mattress; the cushion will make sleeping easier, and you won’t wake up with creakiness the next day.

If you plan on taking that nature walk, make sure to wear shoes with good shock absorbers. If you pull out your old standbys to walk on rough terrain, the muscles in your lower back may not appreciate the extra strain.

Shock absorbers wear out in shoes, so consider getting some cushion inserts if your shoes have seen better days.

4.    Moving

Don’t be a hero! Hire movers for the heavier items, such as couches, refrigerators, and other large furniture, as it’s best to leave these items for the professionals.

Don’t try to move everything all in one day. Instead, try to space it out over the course of several days to prevent overexertion.

Preventive stretches will help to reduce the chance of injury, especially after bending forward and lifting for several hours or days.

Always lift with the item as close to your body as possible. Keep your back and head in an upright position and don’t hunch over.

A back brace may be used temporarily to help you get through a long day of lifting. However, only wear one if you need it, as you should not use them on a daily or prolonged basis.

We Can Help

For more prevention tips, be sure to visit the Resources section of our website or request an appointment today.