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Longer Commutes, Less Pain: How To Stay Sane and Pain-Free

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]The Washington DC Area commute is worse than ever before.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Although we’re sure you don’t need an official report to tell you that, the Census Bureaus 2017 report has some insightful data.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Most alarming, Washington DC’s average commute time in 2017 was 34.9 minutes, a full 90 seconds longer than the 33.4-minute average commute in 2007.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

That’s 12.5 hours more spent in transit annually!

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]We know that longer commutes negatively affect quality of life, and lead to higher obesity rates, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, BACK AND NECK PAIN, divorce, depression and death.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

Back pain is the leading cause of missed work.

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Cue the dangerous spiral: Longer commute more back pain more missed workdays more depressed –> more pills.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Don’t let it get to you! While the increasingly frustrating commute may be out of your control, your health and happiness is not![/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

3 Ways To Stay Sane and Pain-Free despite your worsening commute

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1. Correct Your Driving Posture

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Position your seat so that your hips are level with your knees and your back is against the seat. Make sure the middle of your head is touching the headrest. Move the steering wheel down and toward you so if you were to extend your arms out in front of you, your wrist would line up over the steering wheel.

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2. Stretch Proactively!

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Use your time in the car wisely! Stretch your neck and traps, do your chin tucks, then do a quick standing stretch when you get out of the car.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Upper Trap/Neck Stretches[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/3rb9NZJ_8ik?”][vc_column_text]Chin Tucks[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/hH3pnHyp5xo?”][vc_column_text]Standing Side Stretch[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/2cZicAbPn4I”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

3. Stand more throughout the day

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Find time throughout the day to stand and bring movement into your body. A seated position takes the spine out of it’s optimal position, placing strain on the low back and hips. Standing encourages a neutral spinal alignment.

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Related Posts:

Back Pain While Driving: How To Improve Your Posture!
Standing Desks… Are They Worth It?
What’s The Problem With Prolonged Sitting?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]