A pinched sciatic nerve tends to affect the lower back, hips, legs, and buttocks. Prolonged sitting, such as on an airplane, can exacerbate the pain and make it difficult to avoid the discomfort. Though there is no method that can free you of pain completely, there are some steps you can take before, during, and after a flight to ease your symptoms of sciatica.

How to Cope With Sciatica When Flying

1. Packing Light

Carrying around heavy luggage can add more stress to the sciatic nerve. If you’re traveling for an extended period, consider shipping most of your luggage out beforehand. This way, you won’t have to deal with transporting it yourself, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive. If shipping your baggage isn’t possible, choose four-wheeled luggage that can easily be pushed around. Load the heaviest items into the rolling suitcase, and be careful about how you pack the backpacks and duffel bags that will be carried.

2. Seating & Positioning

Make sure the seat is tilted back during the flight. Bending forward can add further pressure to the lower back and lead to more pain. Consider adding a lumbar pillow to support your lower back. Opt for an aisle seat that will allow you easy access to stand in or walk the aisle to ease any pain. Staying in one position can lead to stiffness and further affect the condition.

3. Collecting the Luggage

Reaching up to an overhead bin to collect your luggage can result in an injury. For those already vulnerable to sciatica pain, ask a fellow passenger or flight attendant for help collecting any bags stowed in the overhead. When you get to your room, take advantage of the opportunity to reverse any negative effects caused by the flight by performing some exercises.

Chronic back pain is a common complaint at any doctor’s office. For help with your back pain caused by sciatica, contact Stoiber Chiropractic in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The chiropractors at this clinic provide personalized care to patients based on your symptoms and are backed by more than 30 years of combined experience. Call (715) 424-8000 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.