NCTV Episode 117

Continuing with the series of bitesize health tip videos which can be found here on my YouTube Channel, this episode includes:-

  • Why travel strains your spine
  • Safe suitcase lifting tips
  • Hotel beds & sunloungers
  • Simple movement & stretching ideas
  • How to return home with memories, not muscle pain

Transcript

If you’d prefer to read the content within, rather than watch the video, then feel free to read the transcript, as follows:-

Hello and welcome to this sun-drenched edition of NCTV on tour – with Episode 117 coming to you from Crete!

This one is for anyone else heading off on their holidays – whether you’re jetting off abroad, taking a road trip or just enjoying a staycation, it’s worth knowing that back and neck pain are some of the most common complaints people return with after travelling.

Why? Well, there are a few culprits:

First – the journey itself. Sitting for hours in a plane, car or train can stiffen up your spine. Not to mention the awkward neck positions from snoozing against a window or a too-floppy plane pillow. Keep in mind that your spine prefers movement to marathon sits.

Then there’s lifting luggage. The average checked bag weighs over 20kg – and most people twist or overreach when grabbing it off the carousel, which is a recipe for a strained lower back.

Add in hotel beds that may be too soft or too hard, sunloungers with no lumbar support, and sprawling in strange positions on the beach – and it’s no wonder your spine might feel less relaxed than the rest of you!

So with that in mind, here are 3 quick tips to keep your back happy while you holiday:

  1. Move little and often on long journeys – in other words, be sure to get up every 30-60 mins if you can, or do a few seated stretches to stay loose.
  2. Lift smart – bend your knees, brace your core, and avoid twisting when handling bags.
  3. Pack a travel pillow or towel roll to support your lower back or neck on planes, or while lounging pool or beachside.

By doing these things you stand more of a chance of coming home with some great memories and few fridge magnets rather than a sore back and a stiff neck.

If you’re still feeling sore after a trip, don’t let it hang around, osteopathy can of course help ease those holiday hangovers of the musculoskeletal kind.

That’s it for this week’s bitesize bit to help your health flourish.  Wherever you are this summer, keep moving, stay supported and enjoy every step (and sunlounger stretch) of the way!

See you next time, bye bye