It’s that time of the year when we look forward to our summer holidays with longer days and hours of sunbathing on white sandy beaches.

Sunbathing can be disastrous for people with back pain. When sunbathing on your back, you should raise the back support slightly up ÔÇô from the horizontal to 35 degrees. You should also try rolling up two beach towels to place under both knees, so that your knees are slightly bent. This will all reduce the load on your back.

If sunbathing on your front, it is recommended that you fold two beach towels, so there are approximately 8 layers of towel beneath your stomach. This will help stop your lower back from jamming the joints together.

Remember, break up prolonged sunbathing with walking or swimming as lying in one position for too long may exacerbate your lower back pain.

If your spine is already a bit stiff before you travel you are much more likely to get pain whilst you are away. We recommend a pre-holiday check up even if you are currently pain free. A bit of prevention can go a long way in keeping you pain free. Aim to schedule an appointment 2 weeks before you holiday so it gives your body time to settle before jetting off.

To book an appointment contact your Chiropractor today and see how we can help you get the most out of your holidays.