Tell Back Pain To Hit The Trail: 3 Strategies For Protecting Your Back While Hiking
Posted on: 23 January 2017
Spending time hiking through the wilderness is relaxing, which is exactly what you need after a stressful week. Yet, you've recently noticed that your back aches so much after a hike that you no longer look forward to your trek. While it is natural to worry, there is no need to give up your outdoor adventures. Simply follow these tips to protect your back so that you require less recovery time.
Be Cautious With Your Backpack
Ill-fitting or overly-packed backpacks are a common reason why your back may be hurting. Make sure your backpack fits you properly, and consider having a professional measure you for the perfect fit. Your backpack should also have padded shoulder straps along with waist and chest straps that help distribute the weight of the load. As you pack for your hike, only take the essentials, and remember to place the heaviest items towards the bottom and back of your pack. This way, they are completely supported by your back and do not pull away from your shoulders.
Get Quality Footwear
You might be just a weekend warrior, yet wearing the right shoes makes a difference in your posture. Ask your chiropractor to take a look at your posture as you wear your hiking shoes to determine if a different type of shoe might help your back pain. For example, a shoe with too high of a heel may leave you leaning slightly forward as you walk. It is also important to make sure your shoes have good tread that keeps you from slipping as you walk.
Treat Minor Pains Promptly
It is important to avoid letting a minor strain turn into a major problem. While some slight soreness is normal after a hike, you should be concerned if it feels different than normal or follows a slip or high step up on the trail. If you do feel a strain that doesn't go away after a day or two following your hike, then visit a chiropractic physician, such as Dr. Jason B Kaster DC, who can assess you for injuries. This way, it can be treated quickly before it spirals into a long-term back injury that requires further care.
When you love hiking, not much can stop you from heading for the hills as soon as the weekend hits. Yet, back pain can certainly slow you down. This hiking season, try wearing the proper backpack along with well-fitting footwear that makes it possible for you to avoid strains and other minor injuries that ruin the thrill of your hike.
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