Airplane travel may get you quickly from point A to B, but it isn't always comfortable. Tight seats don’t give passengers much room to stretch out, and sitting still for extended periods causes muscles to tighten and knot in your neck and back. To avoid neck pain during or after a flight, follow these do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Bring a support pillow.

Neck pillows keep your head in an upright position, maintaining the natural curve of your spine. They’re supportive when you're trying to sleep and won’t let your head hang to one side. If you're cramped for space when packing, opt for an inflatable pillow.

Move around.

Get up and move around the cabin whenever the seat belt sign isn't on. Staying mobile keeps muscles loose. You can also do some stretches in your seat. United Airlines publishes an illustrated overview of exercises, including shoulder rolls and foot pumps, to help you avoid flight stress.

Don't:

Slouch in strange positions.

You may be tempted to curl up or hunch over in an attempt to catch some z's during your flight. Pay attention to your posture,  and avoid slouching. It puts stress on vertebrae. Positioning a second pillow at the small of your back will help keep your spine straight.

Forget to pack pain medication.

Despite following these care tips, you may find yourself with neck pain after a long flight. Have anti-inflammatory pain relievers on hand. Keep them by your side in your carry-on luggage where you can access them if needed.

Trust Midway Pointe Chiropractic of Elyria, OH, to address the root cause of neck pain. With over a decade of experience, they provide top-quality results at affordable prices and offer a free spinal analysis to all new patients. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Visit their website to view testimonials from satisfied patients. To schedule a chiropractic care visit, call (440) 324-2040.