Happy Holidays!
Dated: 5 July 2012
Despite the weather, it is still holiday season and many of us will be thinking about getting away to relaxing beaches and idyllic hideaways abroad.
When you head for the airport, take care of your back and don't allow back pain to spoil your break.
BCA chiropractor, Rishi Loatey advises “We tend to be out of our usual routine when on holiday; just picking up a suitcase in the wrong way or lying on a sun lounger in an awkward position can result in pain. These issues can potentially be avoided and, in doing so, can make the difference between a break of a lifetime or a miserable trip, so be aware of some simple steps you can take, particularly at the start of your holiday.”
To help holidaymakers avoid unnecessary injuries this summer, take a look at these tips from the British Chiropractic Association:
Pack for success!....
• Suitcase selection – choose wisely and buy the lightest case possible that has wheels. Hard cases can sometimes weigh a lot even with nothing in them.
• Two cases are better than one - If possible, take two light suitcases rather than one so you can distribute the weight more evenly.
• Push, don’t pull! Many wheeled cases encourage you to pull the case handle from behind but this makes the upper body/back twist. Try instrad to push the case in front of you.
• Get a good night’s sleep – travelling when tired increases your chances of injury, so make sure you sleep well the night before a flight and avoid rushing around.
On the plane.....
• Flying high - If you are flying drink plenty of water or juice during the flight. Avoid alcohol which can cause dehydration which can, in turn, aggravate muscle pain.
• Air-exercise – you will be restricted to your seat for most of the flight but avoid stiffness by doing shoulder shrugs, buttock clenches and foot circles.
On arrival....
• Avoid ‘travelators’ – get your joints moving quickly after a flight and walk through the terminal rather than opting for the easy option of a moving walkway.
• Round and round – ensure your bag is easily identifiable (e.g. knot a ribbon around the handle) to avoid lifting other people’s heavy cases off the carousel in error.
• Steer clear of trolleys – unless your case does not have wheels of its own, try not to use airport trolleys. Wonky wheels are common and you could hurt your back trying to correct a wayward trolley.