Camping Comfortably: Tips to Protect Your Back This Summer

With the warm weather here, camping season is in full swing! While it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, it can also place unexpected strain on your back. Here are some simple tips to help you stay comfortable and avoid injury while camping:

  • Take a moment to rest and stretch when you arrive at your site. Try to park or drop your gear as close to your pitch as possible to minimize heavy carrying.
  • Choose a flat, clear spot for your tent. Remove any large rocks or sticks, and be mindful of excessive bending while setting up. When knocking in pegs or handling low-to-the-ground tasks, get down on all fours and use your legs to reduce strain on your back.
  • Protect your back while sleeping. Use a blow-up mattress or a thick camping mat to cushion against the hard, often uneven ground. Blow-up mattresses can be cold, so placing a blanket or duvet on top helps insulate and soften your sleep surface.
  • Rethink the sleeping bag. While practical, sleeping bags can restrict movement. If you suffer from back pain, consider unzipping it or bringing a duvet from home for more freedom and comfort.
  • Pack your pillow. Sleeping without proper neck support—or in a draft—can lead to stiff necks and sore shoulders by morning.

If you do experience back pain while camping and it doesn’t improve within a few days, feel free to give us a call to see if osteopathic treatment could help.

Book online at www.thecourtyardosteopaths.co.uk or call us on 0117 923 1138.

About Jeni Briggs

Jeni Briggs is the founder of The Courtyard Osteopaths, a practice she established in Bristol in 1994. With over three decades of clinical experience, Jeni brings authoritative insight and expertise to every article she writes.

As a registered osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council and a Fellow of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy, Jeni's credentials reflect her commitment to the highest standards of practice. Her extensive postgraduate training in cranial osteopathy, combined with her eight years working alongside a highly experienced cranial osteopath in Bath, has given her exceptional depth of knowledge.

Jeni specialises in several areas including paediatric care, pregnancy support, and osteodontics - working collaboratively with Bristol's leading orthodontists. This diverse expertise allows her to address complex health topics with clarity and precision.

Throughout her career, Jeni has treated thousands of patients with varied conditions, from newborns to older adults, giving her a wealth of practical experience that informs her writing. Her ongoing professional development ensures her insights remain current and evidence-based, making her blog posts a reliable source of information for readers seeking to understand and improve their health.

  • Founder & Principal Osteopath
  • The Courtyard Osteopaths
  • Fellow of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy
  • Registered with the General Osteopathic Council

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