The bags are packed, the maps are downloaded, your itinerary is planned. It's Spring Break! If you are like all of us in Buffalo, you’re ready to get out of this winter weather. The team at BC + PT are all definitely ready to move on to warmer weather, but of course, we couldn’t leave our patients without some safety tips for your spring break road trip!

Check your car

Just like our bodies, our cars need maintenance sometimes. Make sure you check that you have enough gas, your oil is changed, and you won’t need to make any unnecessary stops. We also recommend packing your car the night before, so that you don’t have to worry about it the morning of your trip.

Packing essentials

Pack all the snacks and water, and Dr. Tim also recommends paper towels and hand wipes for those snacks (especially if you are traveling with your kids)! Road trips can be long and making sure that you have something to munch on, or something fun to entertain the kids in the car, is important. Other essentials our docs recommend are having a road trip playlist with your favorite songs, packing some blankets or pillows (especially for overnight trips), and having battery chargers and flashlights on hand in case of emergency.

Warm up and get comfy

Taking a little time to warm up before a long drive may help alleviate discomfort of staying in one spot for too long. Do a bit of stretching before you get in the car and encourage any other passengers to do the same. Further advice from Dr. Rachel is to empty your pockets when you sit down, including your wallet! It might sound extreme, but even the smallest misalignment can cause major pain later on. If you have a long-lasting heating pack, you can bring one of those as well so that you can adjust yourself and keep your muscles warm throughout the ride.

Schedule your stops

Ever the planner, Dr. Lyanne also recommends scheduling regular stops so you are able to get out and move around. Sitting in one position for a long time can really tighten your muscles, so even moving around a little bit can help you experience relief. If you experience back pain frequently on your car trips, it may be a good idea to check in with your BC + PT doctors for an adjustment or preventative treatment. you can always seek treatment when you need it. Hopefully you’re as excited as we are about your spring break trip- and also ready as ever with our road trip tips! And remember, if you’re feeling pain from anything from a car crash, workplace injury, or day to day life, give us a call to schedule an appointment and enjoy your life again!