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Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a jaunt through Europe, you likely have an exciting vacation planned for the coming months. After booking the perfect summer holiday, the last problem you want is physical pain ruining your good time. Here, the orthopedic doctors of IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, provide their expert insights on precautions you can take to ensure a comfortable holiday.

5 Tips for Pain-Free Travel

1. Fly With Care

Make sure to hydrate sufficiently on the airplane, where dry air can leave you feeling more parched than usual. Stretch your legs by getting up and walking around periodically to keep muscles relaxed. You can also do exercises in the seat, such as ankle rolls, arm stretches, and neck rolls.

2. Be Careful With Luggage

Avoid oversized baggage, which not only costs extra but also causes unnecessary strain when you have to drag and lift it. Orthopedic doctors recommend getting a wheeled suitcase; if you have to carry it, bend the knees and keep the weight in the legs, not your back. A backpack is preferable for carry-on or day bags that will be lugged around regularly, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed across the shoulders.

3. Protect Your Back

Whether it’s in a car, on a bus, or in a plane—sitting for extended periods of time can cause stiffness in the spine. A self-inflating lumbar pillow provides lower-back support. Also, pack heat pads to soothe tight muscles if you anticipate pain after travel.

4. Combat Stress

orthopedic doctorsEven with plenty of advanced planning, travel isn’t always easy. Ensure you have a great book or light-hearted movie to keep yourself occupied—and that all the gadgets are fully charged. These distractions can help avoid anxiety.

5. Pack an Emergency Kit

Pack earplugs and an eye mask—these can come in handy on the plane and even in the hotel room. It’s also always a good idea to pack some first aid basics, like bandages, tissues, and over-the-counter pain relievers in case of headaches.

If you do return from the trip with aches and pains, an orthopedic doctor can help. Waiting and hoping the problem will resolve itself just allows it to worsen. For assistance in Honolulu, HI, trust IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health. From nutritional medicine to osteopathic manipulation, their comprehensive treatments have you covered. Contact their orthopedic doctors online or by calling (808) 521-8170.

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