Trucking is a lucrative and satisfying career for many people. Many get to travel, and all are free from the confines of an office. The job comes with some freedom and flexibility, but it can also be quite stressful. Many truckers suffer from chronic pain, which is often tied to stress. Understanding and managing chronic pain are vital goals for the industry.
Links between Chronic Pain and Stress.
Research shows that chronic pain is strongly tied to stress. Certain situations, such as looming deadlines, poor driving conditions, and mechanical issues, can cause trucker stress, which leads to tense muscles or muscle spasms. If a truck driver has chronic back issues, his pain level will increase.
Stress also raises the hormone cortisol, which can increase the body’s inflammation and pain.
Ways to Prevent and Relieve Trucker’s Stress
Truckers can lower their stress levels by following a few good habits every day.
Eat a Balanced Diet
This one is harder for long-haul truckers who often eat at truck stops. However, eating lean meat, salads, and fruits will improve their health and lower their stress. Shopping for these items may not be possible while on the road, so they should stock up on some healthy items to take with them.
Exercise
Sitting in the same position all day is hard on the back, neck, and legs. Exercise is essential for good health, and even short sessions can help. Take a short walk when you are refueling. Stretch for 3-5 minutes whenever you can. Your muscles will feel better, and you can release built-up tension and frustration.
Socialize
When truckers are off the road, they need to spend quality time with their families and friends. Social gatherings will help them relax and keep them emotionally healthy. Frequent phone calls, texts, and Facetime help them stay in touch while on the road. Isolation leads to stress which causes more physical pain. After all, the reason for working is to have a quality of life. They need to enjoy and connect with the people in their lives.
How Can Freight Finders Relieve Some of Trucker’s Stress?
Freight Finders can relieve the stress of truckers worried about finding their next load. They offer a free load search that lets them find loads, available trucks, origin and destination cities, etc. The listed loads are usually full loads for flatbeds or vans. Clicking on the listed company gives the searcher all available loads or trucks from that organization.
Stress is hard on all of a body’s systems. If a trucker with chronic pain is constantly stressed, their pain and inflammation will increase. Relieving stress while trucking requires a concentrated effort and commitment to diet and exercise. Cultivating family and friend relationships is also key to a less stressful life. Having a steady flow of work also helps them stay on an even keel. When truckers take care of themselves, they can better manage their pain and live a healthier and more productive life.
Author Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
