Thanksgiving travel season is upon us—that magical week when millions of Americans pack their bags, squeeze themselves into cars or airplanes, and willingly enter the annual endurance challenge known as holiday travel. Whether you’re driving five hours across the Midwest, sprinting through an airport, or attempting to sleep upright on a plane next to someone eating turkey jerky, your spine goes through it right along with you.
Here at Spine Pro Chiropractic, we love two things: helping our patients feel their absolute best, and making sure you can survive Thanksgiving travel without needing to walk into your family gathering shaped like a question mark. The truth is, traveling—before, during, and after—takes a toll on your body. Luckily, chiropractic care can help keep you moving, aligned, and ready for that third slice of pumpkin pie.
Let’s dive into why your spine needs a little extra love this holiday season, and how chiropractic care can make your travels smoother than grandma’s gravy.
Why Thanksgiving Travel Can Wreck Your Back Faster Than Black Friday Shopping
1. The “Car Seat Crunch”
Cars are wonderful transportation machines… unless you have a spine. Long hours in the car—especially with poor posture or old seats—can compress your lower back, tighten your hip flexors, and sabotage your neck with that slow-forward creep we call “The Turtle.”
By the time you reach your destination, you’re basically unfolding yourself like a lawn chair.
Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper alignment before the stiffness sets in, keeping your body primed for the journey.
2. Airplane Seats: Nature’s Way of Testing Human Resilience
Airplane seats were clearly designed by someone who has never sat in an airplane seat. Add in heavy bags, lifting luggage overhead, and the world’s tightest armrest space, and you’ve got a recipe for back and neck strain.
A pre-travel adjustment can reduce tension and improve mobility—so instead of hobbling off the plane like you just aged 40 years, you’ll move like a normal human being.
3. Stress, Family Dynamics, and Pie
We all love family. But we also know that sometimes even the sweetest relatives can unintentionally cause just a tiny bit of tension. Add in the pressure of cooking, managing schedules, and attempting to avoid controversial dinner table topics—and your shoulders are practically in your ears.
Chiropractic care helps calm the nervous system, reduce muscle tension, and support better sleep. Translation: you can handle Thanksgiving with grace… or at least without clenching your jaw through the mashed potatoes.
How Chiropractic Helps Before You Travel
Set Your Body Up for a Stress-Free Trip
Think of a chiropractic adjustment like tuning up your car before a long drive. When your spine is aligned and your nervous system is functioning optimally, your body handles travel stress way better.
Benefits of a pre-travel visit to Spine Pro Chiropractic include:
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Improved posture while sitting for long periods
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Reduced inflammation and stiffness
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Better joint mobility
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Decreased likelihood of travel-related muscle spasms
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Stronger immune system support (because who wants to catch airport germs?)
Even one adjustment before you hit the road can dramatically improve how you feel during the trip—and how quickly you recover afterward.
How Chiropractic Helps After You Travel
Undo the Damage Thanksgiving Travel Tried to Do
Once you make it home (congrats—you did it!), your body needs help recovering. Sitting for hours, sleeping in guest beds, and hauling luggage can leave your spine begging for mercy.
Post-travel chiropractic care helps:
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Loosen and realign stiff joints
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Reduce pain in the neck, back, and hips
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Rehab tight muscles
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Improve overall mobility
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Reset your body after days of chaotic schedules
Most importantly, it helps you get back into your regular routine without feeling like you’ve been tackled by a herd of stampeding holiday shoppers.
Tips to Protect Your Spine During Thanksgiving Travel
1. Move Every 60–90 Minutes
Yes—even if the dog is sleeping on your lap, even if the plane beverage cart is blocking the aisle, even if you’re afraid you’ll lose your parking spot on the couch. Movement is essential for circulation and spinal health.
2. Support Your Lower Back
Use a lumbar pillow or roll up a sweatshirt. Your spine will thank you.
3. Stretch Like You’re Preparing to Chase the Last Slice of Pie
Hip flexor stretches, gentle twists, and shoulder rolls can prevent stiffness.
4. Don’t Pretend Your Luggage Is Light
Lift with your legs. Seriously. We see more travel-related strains from luggage than anything else.
5. Hydrate (No, Coffee Doesn’t Count)
Water helps keep your discs hydrated and reduces inflammation.
Where Chiropractic Fits Into a Healthy Holiday Season
Traveling for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your comfort. With the right chiropractic care before and after your trip, you can enjoy the holiday without feeling like you need a week of recovery.
At Spine Pro Chiropractic, serving New Richmond and River Falls, Wisconsin, we’re committed to helping you stay pain-free, mobile, and ready to enjoy the season. Whether you're preparing for a long car ride or recovering from airplane acrobatics, we’re here to help your body handle the holidays like a champ.
Travel Better. Recover Faster. Book Now.
Don’t let Thanksgiving travel cramp your holiday joy—or your spine.
Schedule your pre- or post-travel chiropractic visit with Spine Pro Chiropractic today. Our experienced team of doctors is ready to help you move comfortably, feel great, and enjoy the holiday season without pain.
Book Online Anytime: Here
Call/Text Us: (715) 941-5100
Convenient Locations in New Richmond & River Falls, WI
Give your spine the gift of comfort this Thanksgiving—you deserve it!
