Whether you’re flying for work or on vacation, you should enjoy the experience. You’re taking a break from your normal routine and seeing someplace new. However, remaining in your seat for long periods can cause neck or spinal pain, which will make your flight less fun. If you’re experiencing discomfort, there are tips you can use to prevent it from happening again.

Do:

Bring pillows for your back and neck.

Travel pillows keep your head from tilting back or dropping forward while sleeping, which can cause spinal pain and misalignment.

Purchasing custom pillows made to accommodate your sleeping position will support your neck and keep it in place. Without the constant bobbing back and forth, you’ll remain asleep for the duration of the flight and wake up rested and without any neck stiffness.  

Sit comfortably.

To get some sleep or while working on their laptop or tablet, fliers tend to slouch for extended periods.

Avoid later discomfort by keeping your back straight. If you’re working, rest your device on the tray table rather than your lap to keep you from slouching.

Take a rolled-up blanket, sweatshirt, or lumbar roll and place it at your lower back at the disks while sitting slightly forward. This will maintain your posture and comfort.

Don’t:

Remain stationary.

Sitting in a sedentary position is uncomfortable, especially for the back. Flights are stressful because you’re sitting for longer than the body is made to.

Once you’re allowed to, get up and walk around. Stretch the muscles of your arms, legs, back, and glutes for a few minutes every hour. You’ll avoid spasms and increase blood flow, which will keep muscle numbness and cramps from occurring.  

Forget your medication.

If you’re prone to neck or spinal pain while flying, you can relieve it with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

If you prefer not using medications, place heat wraps on the areas of tension. Heat loosens tight or cramping muscles and eases muscle soreness.

If your flights have you feeling uncomfortable, Mid Rivers Chiropractic will provide the relief you need. For over 30 years, their team has provided exceptional treatments for those experiencing neck or spinal pain. They use non-invasive and holistic methods to including acupuncture and spinal adjustment to ensure that you feel like yourself again. If you’re in the St. Peters, MO, area, you can make an appointment at (636) 279-1400. For more information on their treatment plans for sports injuries, visit their website.