Don't
let muscle pains, strains affect your Holiday travel, chiropractors
say
ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Holiday travel can be
tough on your body. Whether driving a few hours to visit the in-laws
for Thanksgiving dinner, or flying cross-country for a week-long
holiday excursion, you can hardly make the most of your time if the
trip leaves you tired, stressed, stiff and sore.
"Long periods of sitting can take a toll on your body," says
Dr. Scott Donkin, a chiropractor, ergonomics expert and
author of the book, Sitting on the Job. "Research shows that
sitting in place for prolonged periods of time can decrease
blood circulation, stiffen muscles, induce fatigue and, in
rare cases, cause blood clots that can lead to
life-threatening conditions, like deep vein thrombosis."
The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following
in-flight exercises to help travelers avoid muscle tension and
stiffness:
Foot Pumps
Start with both heels on the floor and point your feet upward as
high as you can. Return both feet flat on the floor. Then, lift your
heels high, keeping balls of feet on the floor. Repeat the three
stages in a continuous motion and in 30-second intervals.
Ankle Circles
Lift one foot off the floor. Draw a circle with your toes 10 times
in a clockwise rotation, then 10 times counter-clockwise. Relax.
Repeat with the other foot.
Knee Lifts
While in a seated position -with your back straight and feet flat on
the floor -lift the right foot a few inches off the floor while
keeping the knee bent at 90 degrees. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 to 30
times for each leg.
Shoulder Rolls
Gently roll your shoulders forward, up, back and down. Repeat in the
reverse direction. Repeat several times.
Neck Rolls
With your shoulders relaxed, drop one ear to your shoulder and
gently roll your neck forward and back, holding each position about
five seconds. Repeat five times. In addition, keep your blood
flowing by walking up and down the aisle periodically, when
permitted by aircraft personnel; keep your legs uncrossed; wear
comfortable clothing; and drink plenty of water.
"Because travel can completely change your regular routine, it can
be very tough on your body and stressful, too. See your chiropractor
to help assure healthy travel," says Dr. Donkin. "He or she is
trained to diagnose and relieve problems of the spine and nervous
system."
---
The American Chiropractic Association is the nation's leading
chiropractic organization representing more than 18,000 doctors of
chiropractic and their patients. For more information on
chiropractic care, or for a list of doctors of chiropractic near
you, visit ACA's Web site at
http://www.acatoday.org
.