5 Tips for Flying Back Pain Free
March 12, 2008
by: Stephanie
With spring break around the corner, and travel season looming, many people with chronic back pain aren't looking forward to vacation; they're worried about how to manage the pain associated with a long flight.
Forum member Tallguy, who is preparing for a grueling 12 hour flight from Taiwan to the US, recently asked for advice on how to fly comfortably despite back pain caused by disc degeneration. Several members responded with suggestions to help minimize his back pain and make his trip more tolerable.
Move.
Get up and walk and stretch as frequently as possible. Go to the back of the plane and do back bends, etc. Consider bringing a doctor's note and alert the flight crew prior to boarding that you have a back condition and will need to move about more often than normal passengers.Smart Flight Scheduling.
Try to book a flight for a time of day when the plane is likely to be on the empty side. If there are any empty rows, ask to be moved to one so you can lie down across the seats. This will help keep pressure off of your back.
Posture Perfect.
Bring a back roll or ask for extra pillows to put behind your back to keep your spine straight and prevent slouching. This will alleviate pain and pressure. If you are on the shorter side, bring something to prop up your feet to keep your knees at a right angle.Bring the Heat and Chill.
Bring gel packs that can be frozen or heated (or bring one of each). These are great for treating swelling, sore muscles, back pain and even headaches. Be sure to have the physician's note about your back condition handy in case airport security has issues with the gel pack in your carry-on luggage; medically necessary items over the 3 oz. limit are permitted through the security checkpoint.Pain Medication.
OTC pain killers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs, or prescription drugs like narcotics or muscle relaxants, can help "take the edge" off during and after the flight. (Read more about back pain medication). Again, a letter from your doctor stating your need for any prescribed pain medications will help with possible airport security issues; and always be sure to keep medications in their original bottles.
Using a combination of the tips above should make travel as easy on your back as possible. Happy trails!
Posted by: Stephanie
Read more:- Pain Free Travel Tips
- Traveling Doesn't Have to be a Pain in the Neck
- 29 Best Travel Tips for your Aching Back
Subject: Tip for Flying Back Pain Free
Hi my name is Andrea, and I suffer from lower back pain. Just trawling through the web and came upon your site and started reading this article "5 Tips for Flying Back Pain Free".
Excellent article and I empathize because it was a problem I had. Note the 'was' and 'had'.
Not sure if I am suppose to do this but I was put on to a wonderful product called Baceaz (actual spelling).
Anyway I bought one, actually several now, for friends as well, and it really is tremendous especially for travelling, and primarily Air Travel.
I really love it and use it daily. It is one of the 1st things I put on in the mornings and wear it throughout the day. I never even know I have it on.
I do apologize if I am not supposed to talk about a product but I thought your readers may appreciate something that really helps. :\
August 5th, 2008
Subject: Painful Headrests and Portable Seat Replacements
Bad news. Aside from the cramped space, airplane seats have some of the worst designs for your body and can cause a painful flight. For me the biggest culprit is always the headrest that jerks your head forward. It's impossible to get it out of the way.
The back roll and extra pillows above is a good tip. For a bit more support you can get a portable seat replacements such as those by Sacroease that remold the seat shape. There are a few other brands that make them too. They are a bit bulky to carry, but it can be worth it so that you don't have to squirm for hours in a cramped space.
February 14th, 2009
Subject: The back roll and extra
The back roll and extra pillows above is a good tip. For a bit more support you can get a portable seat replacements such as those by Sacroease that remold the seat shape. There are a few other brands that make them too. They are a bit bulky to carry, but it can be worth it so that you don't have to squirm for hours in a cramped space.
October 10th, 2010