Road trips are fun, but for people who experience bad back pain they can be painful too. No one wants back pain to slow them down, but after staying in the same position, in a car, for hours and hours, that can be difficult. Here are some tips on how you can ease your bad back pain so that you can have fun on your road trip! 

Stop frequently

It's not good to be sitting in one position for hours at a time, especially during a long car ride. Whether it be to stop for a meal or just for a break from the open road, try to stop every one to two hours, if it is possible. When you stop, make sure to get out and walk around a little. Do stretches as well, and stop for at least 10 minutes at a time. 

Switch driving duties

If you can switch driving duties among multiple people, then definitely do. This way, you will be able to get up and move around more frequently and change your sitting position. When you are not driving, you will have greater mobility, and may be able to sit in a position more comfortable for your back. 

Support the arch of your back

Supporting the arch of your back will help minimize back pain. Do this by placing a blanket, folded shirt, or pillow between your seat and the curve in your lower back. This will help to support it and to keep it in a better position. 

Pack ice packs

Packing ice packs (or even hot packs) is a great idea. You can apply them to any part of your back that is experiencing pain, and you can alternate between hot and cold. Another idea is to place the ice or hot pack in the arch of your back, as was described earlier, for a little more pain relief and added support. And if you have heated seats and it's not too hot out, turning them on can be good for your back too. 

Maintain good posture

If you maintain good posture, then you are less likely to experience back pain during a long road trip. Don't slouch forward with your back arched over the steering wheel. A good way to help you keep good posture when you're driving is to adjust your seat. If your seat is closer to the steering wheel you are less likely to slouch, and leaning your chair back slightly will make it more comfortable for you. Just make sure that your back is up against the seat. 

For when you are on a plane

For back pain sufferers, traveling by plane can be even worse than traveling by car. Take many of the same precautions as you would if you were traveling by car. If you know that you experience back pain frequently, think about how you are going to avoid back pain before your flight. For example, book seats with extra legroom so that you can stretch out more, and have room to elevate your legs a bit. Going to the doctor before a long flight for a prescription of extra-strength pain reliever, or muscle relaxer, might be a good idea too. And even though it may be difficult and you don't want to disturb people, try and walk up and down the aisle as much as you can. 

Don't let back pain slow down your summer road trip. Following these tips will help you along the way, in fact, here are even more tips for combating back pain during road trip travel. If you experience back pain frequently, however, a chiropractor may be able to help. Come in to Advantage Walk-In Chiropractic and have us help ease your back pain!