The Best Sleeping Positions for a Healthy Spine
Long drives have a way of sneaking up on your body. One minute you’re cruising down the highway, the next your lower back feels stiff, your hips feel locked, and your neck wants a break. Road trips don’t have to end that way.
Spending hours seated shortens the hip flexors, tightens the lats, and quietly pulls the pelvis forward. That combo can place extra strain on the lower back and even spark leg discomfort. A few smart stretches and posture tweaks can make a noticeable difference before, during, and after the drive.
Why Long Drives Can Aggravate the Lower Back
Holding the steering wheel for hours without elbow support often tenses the shoulders and upper back. That tension travels downward, affecting the pelvis and glutes. Over time, the lower back absorbs the load, especially during multi-hour drives common around Nampa road trips.
Quick Stops, Big Payoff
Every couple of hours, stepping out of the car matters. One of the most helpful stretches targets the hip flexors. Kneeling with one knee down and gently pressing forward, without lunging, allows the front of the hip to open up. Leaning back slightly deepens the stretch, easing tension tied to lower back stiffness.
Another easy option works great at gas stations. Crossing one leg over the other and leaning to the side creates a stretch through the side of the body and the upper leg, areas that tighten during long periods of sitting.
A Little Movement Goes a Long Way
Short stretch breaks can extend your driving endurance and help you arrive feeling far better than expected. As Nampa Chiropractor Dr. Zach Reidinger likes to say,
Your hips are the keystone of your lower back; when they loosen up, everything else follows.
Ready for a More Comfortable Drive?
Your spine works hard behind the wheel. If road trips regularly leave you sore, a visit with a chiropractor can help you understand what your body needs before the next adventure. Schedule a road trip check-in with True North Chiropractic and Wellness today.
