Thinking about taking a road trip this summer? Would it put you in the driver’s
seat for a half day or more? Spending time in the same seated position can take
its toll on your back, shoulders and legs. And with recent studies discovering
the negative effects of sitting too long, it is a good idea to have a strategy
in mind before you leave. Following are a few tips for your trip, starting with
your hot tub.
How can I use my hot tub to prepare and recover from travel in the car?
You can’t take your hot tub with you, but that does not mean it can’t give
you an ideal beginning and conclusion to your trip.
Try this approach. Get ready, and then load your luggage into the car. Now
take the time for a 20-minute soak
before you get in the car and start your trip.
How does a hot tub help relieve back pain?
In your Caldera® hot tub, the water’s warmth and buoyancy will
help
decompress your spine and improve circulation
throughout your back, loosening it up and making you feel more flexible.
Use the appropriate
hot tub jets
to target your lower back and your shoulders; two places that tend to tire
when you spend hours in a car.
Your soak will also help put you in a pleasant, more relaxed state of mind.
Anyone who is left in a rush knows how stressed you can feel at the
beginning of a trip.
We think that starting your drive with a refreshed outlook, flexible
muscles, loosened joints and a positive state of mind is the ideal way to
start any vacation.
What else can I do on long road trips to alleviate back pain?
Here are some more ideas about how you can stay loose and alert during your
drive:
Stop frequently.
You want to avoid sitting too long. Ideally, you would stop every 30 minutes
to stretch and move around. Realistically, few people will take breaks that
often, especially if you have miles to go before you sleep. Compromise. Try
to stop at least every hour or two. Spend some time
stretching your back and hamstrings, then walking and moving. The movement will stimulate circulation,
bringing oxygen and nutrients into your back. In between stops, try moving
and stretching a little as you drive, but only when it is safe to do so. If
you can, share the driving duties.
Take advantage of your car’s seat design.
Most modern car seats are highly adjustable, but we seldom take full
advantage of them. Take the time to adjust your seat before a long drive and
into a position that best supports your back and makes you feel as
comfortable as possible.
Adjust the headrest.
For safety, the top of your
car headrest should be at least eye level
but preferably higher or level with the top of your head. It should be
tilted at an angle of about an inch from your head. When you are a
passenger, learn to let your head rest on it so that your neck can relax.
Use heated car seats for heat therapy if you have them.
If you are driving in summer, it is probably hot outside, and heated seats
don’t sound very appealing. However, once you have cooled the interior air,
consider using the seat warmer now and then to keep your back loose and
comfortable. You might find that it is a great way to keep your back from
stiffening up.
Remove your wallet from your back pocket.
Sitting on a thick wallet takes your posture out of balance, and can take
its toll on your back, especially on a long trip. Removing it will help you
keep your spine aligned.
Use cruise control.
On a long drive, your leg is held in a static position as you press the
accelerator. If the highway you are driving is open enough for cruise
control, it can give you the freedom to adjust your leg position.
What should I do after a long road trip to reduce back pain?
Is there a hot tub where you are staying? If so, take advantage of it and
loosen up after a day of driving. If not, stretch and move around to loosen
up your back once you arrive. If you have time, take a walk to warm your
muscles up and stimulate circulation.
Can I use my hot tub for cold water therapy as well?
Do you experience stiffness or pain during or after a long road trip?
Have you ever used your hot tub before or after, and how did it help?
Do you have any tips for staying loose while you drive?
We’d love to hear your experiences and any other ideas you can share in the
comments below.
Looking for more Summer trip tips?
Like many things in life, a good road trip starts with a
good road trip plan. Especially if you are traveling with a large family or group of friends
then preparation and planning ahead will
make the journey much more memorable.
Planning for the expenses along the road involves choosing the correct route
to take the most advantage of the scenery and consider
ways that you can save gas
as well.
Would you like to download a free
Caldera brochure
and learn more about Caldera Spas and the wellness benefits they can
provide?
