Still hoping to get away for a break this autumn but not looking forward to the car journey? Read our guest blog with tips on how to make sure you have a comfortable experience.
No one wants to start their holiday feeling uncomfortable or sore. Almost everyone experiences some stiffness after sitting for long periods without a break but for those of you with an existing back condition the thought of a long car journey might be even more daunting.
The good news is that there are lots of practical things you can do to help and we’ve asked one of our local physiotherapy clinics – Physiofit Newmarket – to share their top tips for keeping you on the road pain free:
Remove any items in your back pockets and sit right back in the car seat. Adjust the seat distance from the pedals, so that your knee is still slightly bent when your foot is on the floor.
Adjust the height of the chair and angle of the backrest until you can reach the steering wheel easily with your arms relaxed and your spine feels supported all the way up.
If the lumbar (lower back) support doesn’t fit into the curve of your spine properly, try putting a rolled up towel or small cushion in your lower back instead.
Try moving the back rest a few degrees into a more upright position or recline slightly if you are already upright. A small change in the angle of the backrest or moving the seat a fraction closer or further away from the pedals, can give some relief until you are able to stop and stretch properly.
Applying heat to increase the blood flow to the muscles in your lower back can help to relieve pain, relax tight muscles and make stiff joints move more comfortably. If you don’t have heated car seats, then invest in heat pad which connects to your cigarette lighter and turn it on when needed.
Get out of your car every 2 hours of driving for at least 15 minutes. Walk around, stretch and restore your circulation.
Shift your weight from side to side, clench and unclench your buttocks a few times, arch and relax your lower back, roll your shoulders backwards and turn and stretch out your neck. Small regular adjustments for your body will all add up a big improvement in how you feel when you finish the journey.
Finally, when you arrive at your destination ask for help unloading the car and take it a bag at a time in several trips, rather than taking in as much as you can carry all in one go.
If your back pain persists then the team at Physiofit Newmarket are very happy to very happy to help.
Physiofit Newmarket
Studio 1,
7 All Saints Rd,
Newmarket
CB8 8ES
Phone: 01638 280876
Email: enquiries@physiofitnewmarket.co.uk
21/11/2023
Six ways to get in the Christmas spirit
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially in Newmarket where we’ve been busy planning festive fun for everyone.
14/11/2023
Five of the tastiest afternoon teas
On a brisk autumn day, there are few better ways to get cosy than with a piping hot cup of tea.
07/11/2023
We are hiring!
THIS POSITION HAS NOW CLOSED.
Job Opportunity: Marketing Executive
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism body for Newmarket and the surrounding area.
06/11/2023
Everyone’s welcome in Newmarket
We’re working hard to make Newmarket a more inclusive and accessible place – we want everyone to have a fantastic time in the home of horseracing.
02/11/2023
Newmarket Christmas Lights Switch On!
Join us for this year’s ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ on Friday 17th November, with the fun starting at 4.30pm!
20/10/2023
Dine out on sausages all week with our Sausage Safari!
In celebration of Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 4th November, some of our wonderful cafes and restaurants will be serving specially created sausage dishes on their menus during the preceding week (28th October to 4th November).
16/10/2023
Discover Newmarket is recruiting!
PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION HAS NOW CLOSED
Sales and Tours Co-ordinator
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism body for Newmarket and the surrounding area.
11/10/2023
The Annual Newmarket Sausage Festival is Back!
From royalty to the hard-working groom, sizzling Newmarket Sausages are every race-goer’s favourite, and to mark the long-tradition of this award-winning street food, the annual Newmarket Sausage Festival returns for the second year on Saturday 4 November.