Air travel allows us to cross massive distances in a matter of hours. However, these benefits don’t necessarily come without a cost. For many, sitting on a plane means being cramped into uncomfortable positions, increasing the risk of neck and back pain. The good news is that, with a little preparation, you can help avoid this discomfort when flying. Below are a few do’s and don’ts to follow during air travel.

Do:

Bring a support pillow.

Neck support pillows are excellent resources for fliers—especially those who are crossing far distances. Along with providing a comfy place to rest your head, cervical pillows help keep the neck aligned. Without them, you might develop spinal alignment issues that cause pain, such as inflamed joints, muscle tension, and pinched nerves.

Use heat packs.

Heat application is the perfect way to soothe neck and back pain, as well as promote better circulation. While you may not be able to bring a heating pad on the plane, there are many disposable heat packs that you can take on the flight for a one-time use.

Stay hydrated.

When flight attendants bring around the beverage cart, choose wisely. Certain drinks, such as caffeinated sodas and alcohol, can dehydrate the body. Without enough fluids, your muscles are more likely to tense up and cramp. As such, it’s best to stick with water.

Don’t:

Forget to stretch.

Stretching all areas of the body, such as the arms, back, neck, and legs, is critical to keeping the joints and muscle tissues flexible. To avoid stiffness, stretch before you get on the plane, during the flight, and again when you arrive at the destination.

Slump in the seat.

Due to the limited positioning options that airplane seats offer, it can be difficult to sit in a way that supports the natural curve of the spine. Rather than stressing the body with poor posture, try to avoid slumping. If you can’t control it on your own, consider rolling up a towel or sweater and placing it against your lower back to help keep it straight.

Overpack.

Never pack more than you need to. Carrying heavy luggage can strain muscles and joints. Also, lifting hefty bags into the plane’s overhead compartment can increase the risk of injury.

If you’re a traveler who is troubled by neck and back pain, turn to Lincoln Chiropractic Center for relief. Serving the Lincoln, NE, community, this local chiropractor will carefully assess your symptoms to pinpoint the cause of the discomfort. Using holistic, non-invasive treatments, such as spinal adjustments, this provider will not only help relieve pain, but they will also help prevent it from returning. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this clinic online. For appointments, call (402) 464-5567.