Proper Ergonomics While Commuting
Feb 19th, 2010 by admin
Driving Pains
Sitting in cramped cars, trains or planes for long periods of time can be the recipe for muscle aches and pains. Taking a few simple precautions can make traveling fun and pain-free.
“Prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your body,” says Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. “Even if you travel in the most comfortable car or opt to fly first class, certain pressures and forces from awkward positions can result in restricted blood flow and pain.” The California Chiropractic Association (CCA) offers the following health and wellness advice:
Treat travel as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a car or plane, and cool down once you reach your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your hamstring and calf muscles. Fight the pains and strains of travel before they’ve got you saying “I need Dr. Kotzan!”.
In the car:
· Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible (yet allowing proper airbag clearance). Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips.
· Consider a back support.
· Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any swelling, fatigue or discomfort.
· Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your grip to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in the arms, wrists and hands.
In an airplane:
· Stand up straight and feel the normal “S” curve of your spine. Then use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve when you sit in your seat.
· While seated, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps.
· Do not sit directly under the air controls. The draft can increase tension in your neck and shoulder muscles.
Safe travel for children:
· Make sure the car seat is appropriate for the age and size of the child.
· Car seats for infants should always face the rear.
· Car seats should always be placed in the back seat of the car-ideally in the center.
If you do experience pain and stress on your back from traveling, call Dr. Kotzan to naturally help alleviate stress, tension, and the aches and pains that often accompany them and offer you advice on exercise and nutrition.
To The Best Of Travels,
Dr. Phil Kotzan, DC