Rhode Island…
You don’t need to be a chiropractor to know that sitting for long periods of time can lead to back stiffness. So, if you’re planning a long road trip to bring the kids back to school, sneak in a last minute summer vacation or getaway weekend, you should take some precautions for your back prior to hitting the road. The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (CSRI) has some sound advice.
“There’s a real fear for people with back conditions that a long road trip could first ruin the trip and then have them in agony on the way back,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of CSRI and a chiropractor at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “With stretching and a decent amount of rest stops—one every hour or so–you can usually minimize the impact of being seated for a long drive.”
The first and most obvious element to the comfortable long drive is the car seat. If you’re not currently driving a vehicle with a good seat and proper lumbar support, Dr. Gottfried recommends looking into a rental that has a comfortable seat or buying a lumbar pillow as a less expensive alternative. In addition, he notes having the seat at the right settings for your height and body type.
“Many times, the seat settings can be a large part of the problem,” says Gottfried. “If you’re currently under a chiropractor’s care, do not be afraid to ask them to take a look at your car seat.”
Gottfried also recommends such subtle things as stretching before you get into the automobile and as you get out, as well as altering hand position on the wheel rather than keeping them in a fixed position (this can ease pressure and tension on the shoulders).
“There are many other things that make it possible for you to have a more comfortable ride, like getting a good night’s sleep the night before and keeping yourself hydrated,” said Gottfried. “Even your music selection is important. Playing soothing music can help with minimizing tension, particularly during stressful traffic situations. Plus, if this is an overnight trip, make sure you have a comfortable bed waiting for you at the end of your destination.”
The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island, founded in 1918, is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the country and represents over 60 of the practicing chiropractic physicians in the state of RI. Chiropractic is the largest non-drug health care profession in the US. The chiropractic profession has been affording relief for many types of health conditions naturally, without drugs and their potentially harmful side-effects, for over 100 years.
Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.
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