A common complaint for people who have to drive or fly far distances for work or travel is that their back begins to ache while sitting for a prolonged period. There are a few ways to try and reduce this pain for the everyday traveler. One tip is to use a lumbar support for the low back to promote proper sitting posture. You can purchase a lumbar roll or even try rolling a beach towel for support to trial how the roll would feel. Another adjustment that a person could make is to use the seat warmers that most new cars provide. This is a good way to reduce muscle tension and spasm and ease pain in the low back with heat. The last tip is to take standing breaks if available. When on a flight or on a long trip it is a good idea to try and stand for a period of time, especially when driving or flying long distances. Prolonged positioning of the spine, especially in a flexed position, can cause joint pain and discomfort. This is especially important if you notice numbness or tingling down the leg when sitting for a long time.
