Spanish spinal health society issues back‑pain prevention tips for long journeys
The Sociedad Española de Columna Vertebral (GEER) warns that keeping the same posture for hours during car, train or plane trips can cause lumbar and cervical discomfort. It advises travellers to change position frequently, take regular breaks, and use wheeled luggage kept close to the body to avoid straining the lower back. Proper lifting techniques—bending at the hips and knees, keeping loads near the torso, and avoiding twisting—are also recommended.
Experts also note that prolonged seated work reduces hip extension and can affect cycling posture, leading to back and knee strain. In cars, adjusting the seat so the driver can reach pedals without overstretching and inserting rest stops to walk or stretch are key to preventing lumbar pain. For flights longer than four hours, wearing graduated compression stockings helps reduce the risk of deep‑vein thrombosis, though the overall risk remains low. Symptoms of DVT such as leg swelling, pain or skin colour change should prompt medical attention.
Entities: Carmen Ruiz Rodríguez · Javier Bonastre · Sociedad Española de Columna Vertebral (GEER) · Universidad Complutense de Madrid · Universidad Europea de Valencia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Incorrectly lifting luggage (heavy, far from body, twisting) increases strain on the lower back. (GEER advice)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Using wheeled luggage and keeping bags close to the body helps prevent back strain. (GEER advice)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prolonged static sitting during long trips can cause or exacerbate lumbar/back pain. (GEER advice and health experts)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Typical symptoms of DVT include leg swelling, pain, warmth, and skin colour change. (Medical guidance)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Wearing graduated compression stockings on flights longer than four hours reduces the risk of deep‑vein thrombosis. (Airline health experts)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Adjusting the car seat and taking regular breaks during long drives helps avoid lumbar discomfort. (Javier Bonastre, Universidad Europea de Valencia)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Regular movement, posture changes and breaks reduce the risk of back pain on long journeys. (GEER and airline health guidance)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prolonged sitting at work can limit hip extension and alter cycling posture, leading to back discomfort. (Research on sedentary work effects)