Taking Care of Your Back During Your Travels

You may not think about it until it starts to ache, but your spine health can make or break your day. And if you’re going on vacation, having an aching back the entire trip will draw your focus away from the fun you should be having. Long flights and extra activity in the airport can be some of the worst things for a happy back. Luckily, there are a few things you can keep in mind to make sure your back is going to be pain-free on your next trip.

Wear Good Shoes

Whether you’re running for the gate, waiting on hard concrete, shouldering heavy carryon bags, or just walking the distance from point A to point B, your pre-flight time in the airport can wreak havoc on your spine. One of the best ways to combat these potential dangers is by wearing good, sturdy shoes. Make sure they’re easy to slip on and off—bending over multiple times to tie and untie them won’t do your back any favors. Good support for your spine starts from the ground up; having proper arch support will align your body naturally. Not only will a good pair of shoes help your back in the airport, but you’ll return from your trip with fewer blisters and less achy feet.

Create Your Own Comfort

Nobody expects airplane seats to be comfortable, exactly; you always feel too crowded, one way or another. With a few customizations to your sitting situation, however, you can prevent much potential back pain. By taking an airplane pillow or a rolled-up blanket and placing it behind your lower back, you can create some much-needed DIY lumbar support. Make sure you stretch out your legs as much as possible. This may mean leaving your seat for a stroll down the aisle. Keeping your muscles stretched and limber will keep them from stiffening up on a long flight. Adjust your seat as much as possible to provide extra leg room; the more space you have to stretch and get comfortable, the better. Bringing your own inflatable neck pillow will maximize space in your carry-on, while avoiding the awful pain of an aching neck.

Travel Tips

Keep your back pain in the front of your mind while you’re on your trip. Even when you’re free of the confines of an airplane, there are things you can do to make sure your back stays happy on the return flight home. Wearing a good pair of walking shoes is one of the best things of all, as you’ll be keeping your body in alignment, reducing joint stress with shock absorption, and reducing the chance of tripping on cobblestones or unfinished paths. Purchase an ergonomic bag to carry around, and only keep the essentials inside—the less you have to carry, the less weight and stress you’ll put on your back. Although it’s tempting to let loose when it comes to eating out, try to eat cleanly and avoid alcohol as much as possible. Staying hydrated will support healthy circulation and keep your whole body feeling good.

Paying close attention to what you do and how you can better support your back during travels can be worthwhile, but difficult. If you find yourself still feeling achy and stiff, consider looking for affordable back pain treatment to help you recover.

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