Last week, we discussed some helpful tips for having a successful summer road trip. Depending on where you are headed, you may be flying instead. As the current pandemic improves, you are probably starting to plan your much needed summer vacations. Check out these chiropractic tips to help prevent neck and back pain from interfering with your family’s travel plans.
Use Back Support
Back pain is a common issue that many people face, especially those that travel by air often. Perhaps the seat is not comfortable or it’s just difficult to find a good position to relax. No matter what the reason, back pain is never fun on an airplane. If you don’t have a pillow with you, it’s recommended that you ask for one to use as a back support. Alternatively, you can use a rolled up blanket or sweater to give your back some support.
Use Neck Support
Like the back, neck pain is another common problem for those that fly frequently. To avoid straining your neck during your next flight, you can purchase travel neck pillows. These pillows fit around your neck snugly and are designed to support your head and keep your neck aligned while you sleep in a sitting position. When you are awake, neck pillows can help prevent slouching when you are traveling. This is good for both your back and neck because slouching places excessive pressure on your spine, which can lead to pain.
Pack Light
While it may be tempting to overpack your carry-on bag, it’s recommended that you pack light for your carry-on. A good guideline is to only bring a carry-on bag that is less than 10 percent of your body weight. A heavy bag can put a lot of stress on your back and shoulders as you lift and carry it multiple times during your flight. That stress can lead to muscle tension and tightness, which may cause a spine misalignment. Spine misalignments can cause a variety of health issues, including pain and reduced range of motion in your back and neck. Indeed, it’s best to only pack your family’s essential items for carry-on bags.
Remember to Move
Whether you are taking a four hour or overnight flight, it’s a good idea to move around in your seat. If you can, try to walk around a little every couple hours. This will help promote blood circulation in your body and reduce your risk for muscle tension, cramping, and even blood clots. Always ask a flight attendant if it’s a good time to get up and move because there are certain times during the flight when you must remain seated and buckled for your safety.
Focus on Relaxation
It’s no surprise that stress can lead to pain and tension in your neck. When planning your trip, it’s a great idea to also include items that will help you relax during the flight. If you are bringing the whole family, you can include items for each member of your family based on their ages and interests. For adults, they may appreciate a relaxing music playlist, good book, or adult coloring book. For kids, they may enjoy a sticker book, fun coloring book, or tablet with their favorite movies downloaded on the device. No matter what you choose, having something that will help you relax will help prevent your neck and shoulders from becoming tense due to stress.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Adjustment Before Your Flight
Aside from the tips above, you may also want to schedule a chiropractic adjustment with your local Portage Chiropractors. If your family has any misalignments, your chiropractor can identify and treat these concerns before the trip. By realigning any misalignments, this will help your family maintain healthy postures and reduce the risk for back, neck, and shoulder pain during that long trip. Reach out to West Michigan Chiropractic today to learn more about our specific chiropractic care that gets natural results without drugs or invasive surgeries.