How to Avoid Back Pain On Camping Holidays When You Have A Back Problem – Southampton Chiropractors at the Avenue Clinic Give You Some Tips

 

You still have time to go away for a quick break before the children go back to school – or maybe you are waiting for them to do so, so the campsites are quieter!

TENTS

Sleeping away from your normal mattress and on harder surfaces could cause problems for your back, so we have provided some tips for more comfortable camping.

Protect your back – Ensure your back is protected against a hard and potentially damp surface by sleeping on a quality approved camping mat or air mattress. Try these out in the outdoor shop before buying – most good stores will have samples available. Try to also take a pillow, if you are used to having one. A blow-up pillow is the most portable…. even better, take your usual pillow from home.
Prep your sleeping area first – make sure to remove large stones or sticks that could dig into your spine.
Sleep sensibly –  You should endeavour to sleep in a position where your spine is in a straight line as this helps to avoid neck and back pain.

Lift and carry with care-  Lifting and carrying is a major trigger for back and neck pain, as well as all those awkward positions you find yourself getting into to put the tent up …..so take care when loading and unloading your camping gear. 

 Two bags are better than one – If possible, pack your gear into more bags rather than less, so you can distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the strain on your back when lifting and carrying them.

Brace your spine if you have to bend and twist Use your hips to twist as much as you can rather than twisting your back.

If you are driving to the campsite – Take regular breaks so you don’t arrive in pain.

Take an icepack in your cool bag – When you arrive, lie on the floor on the ice pack for 10 minutes with your knees bent – realigns your spine and reduces the pressure on the discs and joints that sitting in the car has created. Then you can think about putting the tent up and relaxing!

If you have any questions about bracing, give us a call, email or come in to see us!

HAPPY CAMPING!