How to Avoid Neck and Back Pain While Travelling

It’s that time of the year! Are you getting ready to travel to see family and friends this holiday season? If so, you might not be aware of the back and neck pain associated with traveling.

Millions of travelers suffer from back pain in the U.S alone. This can make sitting on a long flight or lifting heavy luggage feel like torture. But that doesn’t mean your backache should prevent you from seeing the world.

Here are few tips to avoid that snarky back and neck pain while travelling!^1,2

Lift luggages in stages: Back strain frequently results at the end of one’s range of motion when lifting something heavy. When lifting a heavy piece of luggage, break it into small parts to avoid strain to your back and neck

Pack light: Carry the items that are absolutely necessary to hold off on that extra weight!

Take breaks while you drive: When driving long distances take a break every few hours to walk and stretch your body.

Support your back: Use a lumbar support roll or something similar to support you back

Check your posture: Sitting for a long period of time adds strain to your back and neck. Check on your posture every hour. Keep your shoulders straight and avoid hunching forward.

Dress to move: Wear comfortable and supportive shoes and loose-fitted clothing to move around easy.

If your back and neck pain continue to exist, consider a visit to your physical therapist! Physical therapists are equipped to help relieve your pain!  Contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Visit our website to learn more!

Cici Madawala, B.S.
Director of Marketing
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Cici Madawala graduated from St Cloud State ͐University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and minors in Geography and German

She is passionate about helping people and strives to help individuals get back on healthy routines and do the things they love. In her leisure time, she loves to travel, and explore other cultures and cuisines
References
¹Pain free travel tips, Spine Health, https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/pain-free-travel-tips. Accessed 3 December 2018.

²Avoid the pain of travel, American Physical Therapy Association PPS, https://ppsapta.org/marketing/blog/index.cfm. Accessed 3 December 2018.