Hiking is a favorite activity for thousands of adventure loving men and women. It is the ideal way to seek refreshment and connect with nature when you are weary of the chaotic city life. However, the joy of hiking in serene, natural destinations can be marred by an aching, sore back! Those with chronic back pain dread hiking as it can worsen the suffering. While there is no miracle solution to eliminate back pain when you indulge in hiking, it is certainly possible to keep things under control.
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Listed below are some handy tips that will be useful to tackle the menace of chronic back pain when you resort to hiking:
- A good sleeping pad is absolutely necessary – Waking up with a sore back is more tedious compared to waking up with a sore neck. While hiking you will need to sleep on the ground and believe or not, it is not very comfortable. A good sleeping bag is the only thing which can provide some comfort. If possible try making some space for a backpacking pillow. Put the pillow under the knees while sleeping on your back or stomach. Put the pillow between the legs while sleeping on the side. With a good sleeping bag in place, you will get proper rest at least.
- Carrying and choosing the right backpack- You need a backpack to cram in your clothing, medication, accessories and other stuffs which are required for a hiking trip. However, not all backpacks are the same and you have to pick an apt unit to ensure back pain does not recur or worsen! When you have this health issue, try to evade carrying large backpack unless it is absolutely necessary. It is prudent to choose a unit that is small and can be expanded when required. Ideally, go for a backpack that has thick and wide shoulder straps. This will ensure reduced stress and strain on the spine and shoulders. Always use both the straps when you go for hiking as it leads to equal distribution of weights.
- Wearing Proper shoes or boots are mandatory – Having a good and proper pair of boots or shoes is mandatory for hiking. Refrain from using an old worn out pair as it can add to the chronic back pain problem. The kinetic chain begins at the feet and one movement affects the whole body movements. The pair of shoes that you wear for hiking should be able to protect the arches in the feet and add support. Without these, back pain is inevitable. Use the right kinds of shoes and keep back pain under control during hiking trips.
- Using trekking poles can be helpful– In hiking trips, using trekking poles can be quite helpful. These accessories are useful in reducing stress on body parts. Their usage also helps reduce pressure on the body joints say the fitness experts. You have to pick a trekking pole that matches your body height and posture perfectly. The poles are also useful for maintaining body balance when you cross small rivulets, streams and tackle rocky terrains.
- Taking suitable anti-inflammatory medication- Despite taking all required precautions, evading back pain in hiking trips may not be possible sometimes. In the middle of a forest or mountainous region, you may not find chemist shops. So, carrying pain medications and external gels or balms can be useful to tackle such pains. Of course, you should carry medications that are deemed safe and apt by your physician.
- Resorting to suitable exercise- Apartfrom medications to control back pain in hiking, resorting to specific exercise forms can be helpful. There is no single solution for everyone with back pain but practicing certain yoga postures can be helpful.
Summing it all up
Back pains should not deter you from hiking but careful planning and taking precautions will help you cope with the menace better. Packing in useful stuffs, choosing right attire and accessories and keeping medications in stock will help you evade severe pain while hiking.
Author Bio:
Claire Penny: Backchairs Direct offers workplace ergonomic solutions, including Office chairs for bad backs, furniture and other posture improving accessories. Claire supports Backchairs Direct with their marketing and sales. She enjoys the study of ergonomics and understands the benefits a correct seating solution can bring to the user.
