As the holidays approach, you’re probably excited to visit family and friends and celebrate the season. You might be less excited, though, about the prospect of traveling with back pain. Before you head out of town, talk with your doctor about how you can prevent or alleviate pain while you’re on the road; make a few tweaks to your plans and your packing list, so you won’t be as uncomfortable.

How to Deal With Back Pain When Traveling

1. Plan Your Flights Right

Squeezing into an uncomfortable airplane seat for hours on end isn’t comfortable for anyone, but when you have pain, it’s even worse. When booking your flight, choose the shortest route to limit the amount of time you have to spend sitting. For especially long flights, though, you might find a flight with a layover to be more comfortable since you can spend some time walking around and stretching in the terminal. Regardless of which you choose, select an aisle seat, so you have more room to stretch out and get up to walk if necessary, or if you can, splurge on a business or first-class seat, which is more comfortable and offers plenty of legroom, so you won’t feel as cramped. 

2. Travel Light

Carrying a heavy bag through the airport isn’t going to do your back any favors, and lifting it into the overhead bin will only exacerbate pain. Travel as light as possible, and if you need to, check your bag to limit strain on your back. If you absolutely must have a carry-on, opt for a backpack style bag that evenly distributes the weight, so you don't strain one side of your body. Ideally, a suitcase with rollers will limit the amount of carrying you have to do.

3. Use Accessories

Whether you are flying, driving, or taking the train, using accessories to support your back can make all the difference. Lumbar pillows, for example, can provide extra support that keeps your spine aligned, helping reduce pain. Seat cushions, including those that swivel to make it easier to get in and out of vehicles, disposable heat wraps, neck pillows, and other accessories can support your spine and ease back pain, as well. 

4. Move Around

Regardless of how you travel, plan to move around as much as possible to reduce stiffness and pain. Plan plenty of rest stops during a road trip, and aim to get up for a walk and stretch every hour during your flight; this is where an aisle seat is a good choice. If you can’t get up, do some light stretches in your seat, such as neck rolls or shoulder stretches. 

For help dealing with back pain, as well as expert advice on how to manage activities like travel, turn to the compassionate professionals at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. They provide personalized pain management programs to the St. Charles, MO, area, using state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment methods to help you feel your best and live pain-free. To learn more about their services, visit them online, and call (636) 978-3000 to make an appointment.