Whether you’re taking a business trip or a vacation, air travel offers immense benefits, enabling you to cover long distances in a short amount of time. But for many, having to sit in a tight area for several hours can trigger physical discomfort. To keep aches at bay, here are a few pain relief tips to consider when you take to the skies.

5 Tips for Pain Relief When You’re Flying

1. Stretch Before & After Take-Off

Stretch out all your major muscle groups before the flight — including the arms, shoulders, back, and legs. Stretching helps muscles and joints stay flexible to reduce the risk of tension-related injuries and stiffness. If possible, take a moment to walk during the flight to stretch out stiff areas. Once you’ve landed, repeat stretches to get the blood and nutrients flowing to your muscles.

2. Protect Your Posture With Support Pillows

Standard airline seats will often impair your posture and cause spinal alignment issues. As such, it’s best to invest in support pillows that maintain the natural curve of the spine. For the lower back, use a lumbar support pillow or roll up a towel to prevent you from slouching. For neck pain relief and prevention, use a cervical support pillow.

3. Lift Bags With Care

To avoid painful neck and back injuries, practice proper lifting techniques when storing luggage in overhead compartments. Ideally, you should lift with your knees and upper body as you directly face the compartment. Make sure not to twist your body as you lift. If your bag is too heavy, ask a flight attendant for help or check it instead.

4. Keep Air Nozzles at an Angle

Although air nozzles can help the plane feel a little less stuffy, the cold air they eject can increase muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. To avoid tension-related stress, make sure nozzles are pointed to the side so the cold air isn’t blowing directly on your body.

5. Stay Hydrated

The dry conditions inside an airplane can increase your risk of dehydration — a problem that prevents cartilage from staying soft and flexible. That’s why it’s a good idea to drink ample amounts of water in the days and hours leading up to your flight. Additionally, you should avoid ordering alcoholic or caffeinated drinks on the plane, as these beverages can contribute to dehydration.

If these tips aren’t enough to minimize your travel-related aches and pains, you may benefit from seeing a trusted chiropractor. The team at Newton Chiropractic Clinic in Crossville, TN, has an in-depth knowledge of body mechanics and the musculoskeletal system, and they can provide pain relief by pinpointing the source of your symptoms. Whether you require a chiropractic adjustment or injury rehabilitation care, these friendly specialists will develop a treatment plan that targets your specific needs. To learn more about their services, visit the clinic online. For appointments, call (931) 707-7871.