Dos and Don'ts for Your Holiday
As we know many of our clients are planning to go on holiday in the next few weeks we thought we would share some tips on how to protect your back when travelling.
Actually, these are handy any way, so please do check them out...
Last Minute Rush:
It is astonishing how quickly a holiday that seemed ages away is suddenly upon us. Work feels like it is appearing from nowhere and you are doing extra hours to clear your desk and prepare handover notes for your time away. That usually translates into more time sitting at a desk, without remembering to get up and move about - giving your stiff shoulders, neck and upper back. You justify this by saying you will soon be on holiday and relaxing - ring any bells?
At home you rush around trying to get everything clean and tidy for when you return. This is often when we get an emergency phone call from someone who has to be seen today as they cannot move and are going on holiday tomorrow.
Our advice is to take care and slow down - the house will get dusty while you are away anyway!
The Suitcase:
It starts with accessing your suitcase. Getting it out of the loft or some tucked away cupboard needs to be done carefully - it is a common injury.
Packing your suitcase on the bed is usual but be careful when leaning over to access the top section - another injury we see often.
Once you have the suitcase packed that's when the big lifting starts... off the bed, down the stairs, in the car, out of the car and then probably onto another bed. If you are going to an airport you can add in a few more moves - check in conveyor belt, when you realise just how heavy it is! Then, at your destination, you have to look out for it on the carousel and manoeuvre around everyone else - you could start your holiday with a back injury - which is far from ideal.
Our advice is to be careful, pack as light as possible and try to bend your knees when lifting anything heavy.
The Sunbed and Different Beds:
Take care on the sunbed. They can be a real irritant for your back. Laying on your back, especially if your knees are bent up, is fine for most of us, but laying on your front on a hard bed is not good for your back. It creates too much extension, or bend in your back, particularly if you are propped up on your elbows at the same time. To ease the pressure on the lower back roll up a towel and put it under the pelvis and lower tummy - this also reduces tension on the upper back. Don't forget to get up regularly for a walk or swim.
A change of bed can often cause problems for our backs. We get used to our comfortable bed at home and a change from this, often softer mattress, can very quickly lead to stiffness and back pain.
Ultimately, take it steady. Don't rush around too much and look after yourself - in the lead up to going and during your time away.
Wishing you a very enjoyable holiday from all of us at Backs and Joints.