PCS Travelling
 

Hi guys. 7 months into my PCS and symptoms are still here but much better than before. Main symptoms still are fatigue, headaches, neck pain, FOGGINESS.

My question for you is about car travel. The most I have done is probably about 3 hours at a time. Sometimes I think it may cause slight set backs but I'm not sure how much of it is mental and how much it actually affects me.

I am heading to Africa for a full month and driving around the country. I'm told the roads in Zimbabwe are terrible so it has caused me some SERIOUS anxiety lately. This trip has been planned for over a year and I can't get my money back now.

Do you guys have tips for me for the long car rides? I find supporting my head with a pillow behind my neck helps absorb the bumps but we could be talking about some serious jerking and bumping around on this road trip....

Anyone gone through something like this who are sensitive to bumps?

*Do you think the bumps are actually re-injuring PCS victims or is it more mental?
Gray

My biggest recommendation would be to ensure you take as many breaks as possible. I find my eyes strain when on long road trips (when I'm driving).

If you are on rough roads, it helps to sit with your shoulders away from the seat back with your head and shoulders forward. This allows your upper back and neck to flex and absorb the vertical movement. You would be better to be sitting on additional cushioning.

You need to take steps to care for your neck. Traveling means strange beds and lousy sleep. Sleeping with poor head and neck posture will be your biggest risk. Poor sleep will reduce your ability to tolerate the many challenges. Good basic brain nutrition will be important. Read the Vitamins sticky. The B's, D-3 and Omega 3s are the most important.

Bumpy roads can be trouble but usually by causing inflammation in the upper neck.

Otherwise, anxiety may be your worst enemy.