Neck and Back Pain When Traveling

A common cause of neck and back pain in Vacaville CA is sitting or standing in an awkward position for a long time. This is very applicable for anyone traveling on a plane or train, or even driving on their car.

One survey has shown that 88% of people are in pain after a usual flight in North America, to the extent that 75% are willing to pay an extra $50 just so they could switch to a seat that wouldn't give them neck or back pain.

But what if avoiding neck and back pain while traveling doesn't have to end up making you shell out a couple of extra bucks for a first-class seat? It is quite possible to experience a pain-free travel just as long as you avoid these biggest travel mistakes.

Avoid Neck and Back Pain While Traveling

1. Your feet - If your feet are dangling when you seat, it will put additional stress on your back. To cope with this, use your hand carry luggage as a footrest so that your feet will have a firm surface to rest on and allow your knees to be at the right angle. While driving, keeping your foot on the accelerator can also put stress on your lower back, so turn on cruise control when driving for a long time.

2. Heavy luggage - If your body is not used to carrying 50 pounds of awkwardly shaped baggage, you can expect that carrying them through airports and car trunks will take a toll on your spine. The best way of avoiding this is to always pack light or at the very least use the curbside check-in so that there will be less struggle. You must use the wheel on your suitcase if it has especially if you will be carrying it for a long distance.

3. Not drinking enough water - It can be surprising to know that dehydration can worsen pain and muscle tension. You must drink lots of water throughout your travels while also avoiding hydration zappers like coffee, soda, and tea.

4. Poor quality hotel pillows - Most upscale hotels are offering pillow choices to make guests feel at home, but it's still far from the norm. If you notice, the hotel pillows are usually too flat, too hard, too soft, or too puffy to provide adequate support for a good night's rest. The ideal pillow should keep your spine in a neutral position while sleeping since it can reduce stress and tension in your body and avoid any problem areas and pain in your neck and back.

5. Sitting for too long - The number one complaint by automobile, plane, and train travelers when describing the onset of their back pain is sitting for too long.

When you're on a plane or train, you can avoid this if you make time to get up from your seat to stretch your legs at least once every hour. If you're driving, make rest stops from time-to-time to avoid tense muscles and cramps. When sitting, avoid pitching your shoulders forward, and use a small pillow to put some additional support for your neck or lower back.

If your neck and back pain still becomes persistent even after following these tips, then don't hesitate to visit our clinic at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. We will attend to your condition so that you will be given a proper treatment plan right away. Just make sure to call (707) 474-5688 to setup an appointment today.