Whether you travel frequently for work or just love visiting new places, you might experience neck or back pain as you sit in a cramped airplane seat. Fortunately, proactive action can prevent problems. Here are three tips for staying comfortable during long flights. 

How to Prevent Neck & Back Pain in a Plane

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra body weight puts a lot of stress on one’s spine, muscles, and joints, which can result in neck and back pain. Additional weight can shift your center of balance when you sit and stand, further contributing to discomfort while flying.

If you have trouble maintaining a healthy weight for your height, work with your doctor to come up with a nutrition and exercise plan to help you stay fit. 

2. Focus on Proper Posture

Improper posture can put extra strain on the discs of the back. To enjoy the most comfortable experience possible, sit up straight and consider placing an airplane pillow behind your lower back between you and the seat. This simple move discourages slouching. 

3. Move as Much as Possible 

Sitting in a fixed position for hours at a time can lead to neck and back pain, so move as much as possible—on the plane and off. When you are on the plane, make regular trips to the bathroom so you can keep your blood moving and, during layovers, do as much walking and physical activity as you can. 

If you are a frequent traveler who has been struggling with neck or back pain, turn to Alpha And Omega Chiropractor in Ruidoso, NM, for help. Since their inception more than 10 years ago, these professionals have been committed to helping people maintain wellness through careful spinal adjustments and personalized nutritional advice. To find out more about their capabilities, visit their website. Give their office a call at (575) 258-5999 to schedule an appointment.