Even those without chronic pain can suffer from back or neck pain on a long flight. Between the cramped leg room and sitting in the same position for hours, there’s a lot of stress on your spine. Stay comfortable for your flight by knowing what to do and what not to do.

Do:

Bring a pillow.

Support pillows hold your spine in the right position to avoid back and neck pain. A neck pillow can hold your head up while you’re sleeping or spending a long time in the seat. A pillow for the lower back can support your natural spinal curves, maintain alignment, and prevent slumping.

Watch your posture.

Sit as far back as possible in the chair so your hips are directly against the seatback. Use your support pillow or roll up a sweatshirt to place at your lower back. If you’re watching a movie or working on a laptop, get the screen as high up as possible so you’re not craning your neck downward.

Don’t:

Stay stationary.

Take advantage of the moments when the seatbelt sign turns off. Stretching gives your joints a rest, gets the blood pumping, and helps with jet lag. Stand up in the aisle and walk back and forth a little. Squeeze your shoulder blades together to stretch the neck, then straighten your arms in front of you to curve and stretch your back.

Forget to pack your self-care items.

If your chiropractor has recommended any supplements or support pillows, be sure to pack them with you. If possible, bring them with you into the cabin so you can use them mid-flight if needed. A stress ball can be a great tool in-flight to roll out your back or neck muscles.

A spinal adjustment just before your long flight can also help with relief throughout your entire trip. The doctors and their skilled team at Red Wing Chiropractic Clinic PA offer both chiropractic care and acupuncture to improve your overall wellness. Their treatments will naturally help with your back and neck pain. Learn more about their team online and call (651) 388-8294 to schedule a free consultation.