Why July Is the Perfect Time for Pre- and Post-Holiday Chiropractic Checks
July brings sunshine, school holidays and the buzz of travel. Whether you are packing for a beach getaway or enjoying staycations, the summer season often means a break from routine — and an increase in physical stressors our bodies aren’t used to.
As chiropractors, we know the spine doesn’t take a holiday. Travel, new beds, sun loungers, plane seats and suitcases can all trigger subluxations or exacerbate existing issues. Post-holiday fatigue, dehydration and inconsistent sleep can delay recovery and aggravate areas of your body.
This is where pre and post holiday chiropractic checks really help!
Your Nervous System Craves Consistency — Travel Disrupts That!
The human body runs on rhythm: sleep cycles, hydration levels, gut timing, and even your postural habits. Travel breaks these patterns. A 2019 study found that irregular sleep and time-zone changes can lower immune function for up to 3–5 days post-travel. Add to that the spinal impact of lifting heavy bags or sitting for hours in transit and you’ve got the perfect storm for misalignment.
Did You Know?
Even short-haul flights can compress the spine due to prolonged sitting. Dehydration from cabin air makes spinal discs lose fluid, reducing shock absorption.
Why Travel Can Knock the Body Out of Alignment. Chiropractic Isn’t Just Fixing, It’s Priming.
Many think of chiropractic care as reactive, fixing pain after it shows up. But proactive care, especially before travel, optimises spinal mechanics and supports the nervous system to better adapt to stress. This means fewer flare-ups while you’re away, better sleep in new beds and faster recovery if your routine slips.
Long flights, car journeys, lifting luggage and unfamiliar mattresses, all of these can wreak havoc on spinal alignment. Even “relaxing” activities like lounging in deck chairs or spending hours walking around sightseeing can place stress on joints and muscles.
Before travel, a chiropractic check-up helps ensure that the spine and nervous system are functioning at their best. This can mean better sleep, reduced pain and even more energy to enjoy the holiday fully.
Pre-Holiday Travel Tips:
• Stretch before travel. Focus on hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back.
• Use lumbar support. Especially for car or plane journeys over 2 hours.
• Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps spinal discs and muscles supple and supports recovery.
• Book a pre-holiday check. This will boost spinal alignment, improve mobility and help prevent holiday discomfort.
Post-Holiday Adjustments: Reset the System – Your Body’s Data Reboot
Returning from a break? That’s often when niggles surface. A post-holiday adjustment can help recalibrate the body, support immune health and address any misalignments caused by new routines.
Your nervous system is your master control system. Keeping it clear before and after stress — even the good kind — keeps you living your best life.
Post-travel chiropractic care does more than just “ease you back in.” Think of it like rebooting your phone after a heavy software update.
Adjustments help:
• Reset your nervous system to baseline function
• Realign joints stressed from new movement patterns
• Reduce inflammatory load caused by diet, alcohol, or sleep disruption
Post-travel inflammation can silently stress your immune and endocrine systems. Regular chiropractic care helps regulate the autonomic nervous system — the part responsible for your rest, recovery, and hormone balance.
Holidays should recharge you — not leave you in recovery mode. By understanding the deeper ways travel affects your spine, nervous system and overall vitality, you can make smarter decisions. A pre-holiday adjustment primes your body for optimal function. A post-holiday check resets your system to baseline, helping you integrate the rest, not recover from the stress. This July, don’t just pack your bags — plan your chiropractic care too.
If you know someone who could benefit from this blog post, please share it with them. We offer a complimentary spine check to anyone who is interested in how chiropractic may be able to help them.
