The pain physical pain in traveling

The pain…physical pain in traveling

Great, cost-effective ways to prevent and treat traveling pains

(Pinellas Park, Fla.) December 23, 2009 – Traveling can be a pain… literally – in the neck, spine, shoulders, legs – you name it. So what do you do after traveling for long periods of time during that endless family road trip where you sang A Hundred Bottles of Beer on the Wall for at least an hour? And those plane trips where the seating makes you feel like winter clothes stashed in one of those vacuum-sealed storage bags? Pain specialist, Dr. Charles Friedman has some advice for those about take their holiday “vacation” and for those still icing themselves from the trip recently taken.

“Holidays can be pretty stressful but most of it is oddly felt – physically that is, when you return from a long trip,” said Dr. Friedman, “Ice packs or cold massages to the lower back can help alleviate acute strains.” The doctor says icing three to four times a day for 15-20 minutes for at least the first three days after returning from a trip can decrease inflammation, swelling and pain.

“Sleeping on firm mattresses, not sitting-up in bed and avoiding flexible or soft couches can also alleviate some pain,” said Dr. Friedman. “Short walks are helpful as long as there is not any strain involved like going up or down hill too much or pushing a stroller, for example, it should be low-level walks for three to five minutes every few hours.”

Dr. Friedman has many tricks up his doctor’s coat for traveling pain-free and for treating pain already caused from traveling on a long trip. “There are a lot of economical things people can do to prevent pain – for instance, rolling a towel or blanket up and using it as lumbar support or using your suitcase as a step for your feet to ensure good posture and ergonomics,” said Dr. Friedman.

Here are some more tips for those who are about to travel:

1. Doesn’t it feel good to stretch it out? Well, there are reasons for that. Stretching prevents muscles in your back from tightening and causing pain so be sure to get-up and stretch it out. Sitting loads the spine and compresses the disks, which may lead to further problems in the spine and neck so again, try to get-up as often as your trip allows.
2. You’re not moving away. Remember it’s just a trip for several days so don’t over pack. Take only the essentials because the weight you carry is vital in preventing added physical pain. Additionally, you’ll save some money on the airfare when you’re not paying extra weight or checked luggage.
3. Be properly equip – suitcases with wheels are always a better option than straining your back with heavy loads or book bags.
4. Easy to slip-on/off boots or shoes – remember that you’ll have to bend awkwardly in a busy line with luggage in your hands while you remove your shoes in an airport line. To prevent back strain, try to wear easily removable shoes when traveling.
5. Support yourself. You cannot truly rely on the seats of your car or plane when it comes to lumbar support. Bring a pillow or even a rolled-up blanket or towel to use as lower-back support.
6. Stay hydrated. If you’re traveling somewhere cold you may be tempted to slug down several hot chocolates or coffee. Drinking substantial amounts of water will keep your body fluid rather than rigid. Our bodies are made-up of 70% water so you can see how vital this is. Hydration enhances the height of intervertebral disks allowing them to remain healthy shock-absorbers.
7. Do a few crunches before you leave. Your core strength is important in preventing spine pain so try to squeeze in a mini-abdominal work-out every day before you take off.

Before you take-off or even after you get back

Treat yourself to relief by trying holistic approaches to ensure the strong structure of your spine:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic
• Massage Therapy

Should you need additional pain relief – see a pain specialist for further guidance.

Media Opportunity:

Dr. Charles Friedman is available for demonstrations and interviews to share his many tips on traveling pain-free or treating pain post-travel. Please contact 727.230.9265 or email Marialuisa@FullCircle-PR.com for bio information and availability.

About Pain Relief Centers:

Pain Relief Centers are multi-specialty practices that use a combination of innovative and minimally invasive treatments that help relieve patients’ pain and improve their quality of life. Pain Relief Centers’ Board-Certified physicians utilize advanced technology and interventional therapies to diagnose and treat pain effectively. Pain Relief Centers’ comprehensive approach ranges from osteopathic manipulation and nerve ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures. Pain Relief Centers treat a variety of conditions such as neck and arm pain, back and leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, degenerative disc disease, failed back syndrome, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Pain Relief Centers works with patients to improve their pain and return them back to their busy lives.

Visithttp://www.pinellaspain.com/or call 727-518-8660 for more information.

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