Staying in any position for too long can bring on neck pain, so it’s no wonder people who take long flights tend to feel discomfort in the upper spine. Uncomfortable positions can also be to blame since most airlines have limited space for spreading out. Yet, your travel plans shouldn’t have to come at the expense of your neck health. Fortunately, there are a few preventative steps you can do or avoid to prevent neck pain while flying.

Do:

Use a supportive pillow.

Travelers often experience a stiff neck because their head may fall forward or to one side when they rest on the plane. A supportive, horseshoe-shaped neck pillow can prevent your head from bobbing around if you nod off during the flight.  

Bring comforting treatments.  

Neck pain can develop at any time, so be prepared. Pack any treatments that you find helpful, such as over-the-counter pain medications or anti-inflammatories. You can also prevent tension by bringing heat wraps or self-massaging devices, which you can use at the first sign of discomfort.

Don’t:

Strain your neck.

If you’re watching a movie on your phone or doing work on your laptop, you could be putting added weight on your upper spine and creating neck pain by tilting your head forward. This condition is called tech neck, but it can be avoided by reclining your seat when allowed. This will put less strain on the discs in the back and muscles on the front of the neck.

Stay in one place too long.

Staying in one position for a long period of time can cause your neck to become stiff and sore. To keep the muscles limber, perform gentle neck rolls and side-to-side stretches while you’re in your seat. When the seatbelt light is off, stand up and stretch. Take a walk to the bathroom to get the blood flowing, which will help get the necessary oxygen to your tissues.

If you experience chronic neck pain, contact Wellspring Family Chiropractic to help. Located in Cookeville, TN, the team at this center offers a broad range of chiropractic services and massage therapy techniques to help restore comfort and quality of life in their patients. Browse through the conditions they treat by going online and call (931) 528-5284 to schedule an appointment.