During the holiday season more than 100 million people travel to see friends and family and many are more than 50 miles away. Many of the people who travel also suffer from chronic spine pain. If you are part of the millions of people who will be traveling this year with pain, here are some tips on how to travel more comfortably and keep a healthy spine.
Keep your blood flowing
Regardless of how you are traveling, you should be sure you are taking time to stretch and walk around for your chronic spine pain. If you are riding in a car, stop every hour to get out and stretch and take a quick walk. While flying, when allowed, be sure to stand up and walk. You can also request a note from your doctor to let the flight attendants know that it’s necessary for you to get up and around.
Keep it rolling
When you are taking a trip with chronic spine pain, use luggage with wheels. This will take the pressure off your back and allow you to maneuver without risk of straining your spine. If you don’t have luggage with wheels, be sure you pack light and have someone help you with your bags whenever possible. If you must lift a big, be sure you do it properly, bending from the knees versus at the waist.
Buckle Up
With some many people traveling this time of year, it’s not surprising that there is also an increase in accidents. So be sure you are buckled in, regardless of how you are traveling. This way, if there is an accident, you reduce the risk of injury and increasing your chronic spine pain.
Gift Wish List
If you participate in gift exchanges, ask for something that helps relieve your chronic spine pain. A few ideas are neck or lumbar pillows, neck massage device, heating pads, or a gift certificate for a massage. Or maybe you know someone who also suffers from chronic spine pain and these pain relievers can be great gifts.
What to pack in your luggage
To help stay comfortable during your holiday travel, be sure you pack the right tools for chronic spine pain. Bring along both ice and heat therapy, neck pillow, lumbar pillow, pain reliever and water to stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget these items so be sure to make a list to ensure you don’t forget these helpful items.
Have the right Disposition
During travel, it’s likely you will be sitting for long periods, so be sure that you are sitting with good posture. Your knees should be at a right angle and sit up straight. You might also need to sit at the end of your seat with your knees and toes inward, this will help you sit properly for the correct spine alignment. The right posture for someone with chronic spine pain will make your trip more comfortable.
Stay Supported
Bring along your lower back and neck support for the ride. Having a good lumbar and neck pillow can help relieve your chronic spine pain when you are sitting for long periods of time.
Having these tips for your holiday travel will help keep your spine healthy. If you suffer from chronic spine pain you can get your life back.
Come See Us At The Spine Institute Northwest!
At the Spine Institute Northwest, we want to help make you more mobile this fall! Conveniently located in the Seattle area, our team of dedicated surgeons is available to guide you to a more mobile life!
Contact us today at (888) 712-0318, or visit our site to set an appointment for a free MRI review. We offer the total care package that allows us to make a personalized plan to make you ready for summer activities!
Don’t Wait, Get Back Your Life! Call the Spine Institute Northwest today!