Center for Health & Wellness

Spring Break is coming

With spring break around the corner and travel season looming, many people with chronic back pain may not be looking forward to vacation because they’re worried about how to manage the pain associated with a long flight or road trip.
Here are some suggestions to help minimize back pain and make trips more tolerable.

  1.  Move.
    Get up, walk & stretch frequently. Go to the back of the plane & do some stretches, etc. Consider bringing a doctor’s note & let the flight crew know prior to boarding about your back condition and the need to move about often.
  2. Smart Scheduling.
    Try to book your flight for a time of day when the plane is likely to be on the empty side. If there are any empty rows, ask to be moved to one so you have more room to spread out, stretch or possibly lay down. This will help keep pressure off of your back.
  3. Posture.
    Bring a back roll or ask for extra pillows to put behind your back to keep your spine straight & prevent slouching. This will alleviate pain & pressure. If you are on the shorter side, bring something to prop up your feet to keep your knees at a right angle.
  4. Heat and Chill.
    Bring gel packs that can be frozen or heated (or bring one of each). These are great for treating swelling, sore muscles, back pain & headaches.  BC Chiropractic has gel packs available for purchase. There are over-the-counter medications available to help reduce inflammation & pain. Ask Dr. Cooper or Dr. Karis for recommendations specific to your needs. Keep any medications in original containers. Be sure to have the physician’s note about your back condition handy in case airport security has issues with the gel packs or OTC’s in your carry-on luggage; medically necessary items over the 3 oz. limit are permitted through the security checkpoint.
  5. See your Chiropractor!
    Call now to schedule appointments with Dr. Cooper or Dr. Karis. Get chiropractic treatment before and after your trip. This will ensure proper muscle tone and joint alignment and make your travels much more comfortable.

Using a combination of the tips above should make travel as easy on your back as possible. Happy trails!

 

 

(Some information adapted from http://www.spine-health.com/blog/back-pain-relief)