Back-to-Back Road Trips? How to Protect Your Spine While Driving

Summer in Ohio is the perfect time for road trips—visiting family, taking vacations, or even just weekend getaways around Lake Erie. But all that time behind the wheel can take a serious toll on your spine. At Ohio Therapy Centers, we treat many patients from the greater Cleveland, Akron, and Canton areas who experience back, neck, or shoulder pain after long drives.

Here’s how to protect your spine before, during, and after your next road trip—especially if you’re hitting the road more than once this summer.

Why Long Drives Hurt Your Back

When you sit in the same position for hours—especially in a car seat that doesn’t support your spine—your muscles tighten, your joints stiffen, and pressure builds in your lower back and neck. Even healthy drivers can start to feel pain if they don’t take proper precautions.

5 Tips to Keep Your Spine Healthy on the Road

1. Adjust Your Seat the Right Way

Make sure your seat supports your spine. Sit upright with your knees slightly higher than your hips, and your lower back touching the seat. A small pillow or lumbar support can help reduce pressure on your lower back.

2. Take Frequent Breaks

Try to stop every 1–2 hours. Get out, stretch, walk around, and get your blood flowing. Even five minutes can make a big difference in how your back feels.

3. Stretch Before and After You Drive

Do a few gentle stretches before you hit the road and again when you arrive. Focus on your hamstrings, hips, neck, and shoulders—tightness in these areas can throw off your spine alignment.

4. Pack Smart

Heavy bags, coolers, and gear can put extra strain on your back. Lift with your legs, not your back, and try to evenly distribute weight across your vehicle.

5. Use Supportive Footwear

Flip-flops may be easy to slip on, but they offer little support. Wear shoes that give your spine a stable foundation, especially for long drives.

Already Sore After a Road Trip?

You’re not alone. Many of our patients feel fine during the drive but wake up sore the next day. Whether it’s lower back pain, neck stiffness, or general tightness, Ohio Therapy Centers is here to help.

We offer chiropractic care, physical rehab, and injury recovery services for people in Elyria, Brooklyn, Euclid, and across all of Northeast Ohio. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and keep you moving comfortably all summer long.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation
Whether you’re planning another trip or recovering from your last one, we’ll help keep your spine road-ready.