Regularly interrupting prolonged sitting
Traveling for long distances by car, bus, or plane may cause a gradual and progressive attack of lower back pain or may aggravate existing problems. This is the case especially when you sit in a cramped seat and do not take regular breaks that would permit you to restore your lordosis. After an uninterrupted car ride of even a few hours, nearly everyone will notice some stiffness or discomfort in
the lower back. If you already have back problems, such a journey may be a risky experience for you. If you are the driver, the risk is even greater than if you are a passenger.
In order to minimize the risks of prolonged sitting, you must interrupt sitting at regular intervals and before pain starts. For example, during long car trips, once an hour you should stop the car, get out, bend backward five or six times (see Exercise 4 in the next chapter), and then walk around for a few minutes. This will reduce the pressure within the discs and will relieve the stresses on the surrounding tissues.
As long as airlines continue to provide seating seemingly calculated to damage the human spine, you should take action when traveling on planes as well. When flying long distances, regularly stand up and walk up and down an aisle of the plane. Not only is this important for your back, but it also stimulates circulation in the legs.
Taking breaks during travel, whether in a car or on a plane, will significantly reduce the risk of another episode of back pain.
