Traveling Doesn't Have to Be a Pain in the Neck! - Patients' Advice

When I travel I freeze (2) 16oz. plastic water bottles and keep in cool/insulated portable lunch containers. You can still do this for trains and automobile travel but not for planes (I found out when I traveled in 2006) with the airlines new carry-on- liquid-limitations. When needed for pain relief, wrap with paper towels and use as ice packs (20 min max every hr). Their cylindrical shapes allow them to fit on either side and behind of the neck, b/w shoulder blades as well as in the small of your back (almost like a lumbar cushion) without holding it in place. As the ice melts you have water to drink as you take your pain meds. This is a great thing for neck and lower back pain when at home also.

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MEDS:Keep all meds togther in a see-thru ziploc bag and keep them with you for easy access. Take all meds on time b/c pain makes you cranky and believe me since 9/11 most of the people working in airlines etc. are even crankier. I've been stopped from going through security b/c I had my usual bag of pills - (Vicodin, Avinza, Lyrica, Motrin, colase pills, suppositories, gluco samine/chondroitin......) Also, they've thought my TENS unit might be a bomb (have them check/scan-the-barcode). I pray and have patience as I travel - gospel/relaxation CDs help.

SEAT SELECTION:For my leg pain (predominantly right-sided) I always pre-select a seat that allows me to stretch/extend that leg or request a seat with more leg room. Request advance boarding time - you need more time to get situated in seat - so kiss-up to the flight-attendants. Request-wheelchair/assistance if needed. Luggage: Pack only up to the 50 pound limit for 2 pieces - plus carry-on - no matter what! It saves your back, the porters backs (please-tip- them-well), saves on over-the-weight-fees (most of what I pack was crap-anyway).

PLANES/TRAINS/AUTOMOBILES: If driving, take rest stops. Get up often to walk around and stretch. Never get up/move-about when there are jerking motions-wait until the plane/train stops! And keep flight-time/connections to a minimum. Be Blessed.

From: Blessed - USA

When I travel by plane, I always ask for bulkhead seats. When in a hotel room, I always ask for extra pillows (for between the knees and back). My commute is 1.5 to 2 hours long, thank god for heated seats. Mine are 8 way adjustable leather with heat. If you do not have heat, you can get one of those really good microwaveable heat bags.

From: oh-myachinback - California, USA

Although it is expensive, I recommend renting a motor home for travel as you can lay down to prevent the hip and back pain that comes along with traveling. The motor home is especially nice if you are trying to get where you are going in miminal time because you can lay down with your feet up. Otherwise you have to make several stops to alleviate the hip and back pain from past surgeries or fibromyalgia or both.

From: Anonymous

I always bring my TempurPedic pillow on vacation with me. If I don't, my neck hurts after the first night without it until I get home.

From: Anonymous – Illinois, USA

I travel often with 2 herniated lumbar discs, and have learned a few tricks along the way ;)

On the plane:
Bring a small gel ice pack on the airplane, flight attendants will gladly keep in fridge for you. Put ice pack on afflicted area for 20 mins. and off for 20 mins. Bring a small cushion or lower back/obus form support to keep proper position (my favorite is one of those synthetic squishy tube-shaped pillows with microfibers inside). A back brace (my favorite is tensor with extra support) is excellent for sitting position if you have lower back disk/sciatica or similar pain - also helpful for moving luggage and lifting/carrying. Make sure you keep all necessary medication with you in flight - do not check it in with luggage. Take anti-inflammatories or pain management medications as needed. Keep a small bottle of water with you to take any needed meds.(and snack if required with food). Don't be too proud - ask others for help if you need it (overhead compartment, luggage etc.). You will be amazed how many people are more than happy to help you.

At the hotel/resort:
Request an in-room fridge from management, and explain it is for your ice pack and beverages for medications. I have often been happily accommodated. Get extra pillows for your room if needed for proper lying position support. Request a main floor room (if stairs are involved). Bring your small cushion with you to beach, road trips etc. ALWAYS get travel insurance in case your condition worsens while away from home. Stay hydrated. ENJOY YOURSELF!!!

From: Lisa – Canada

I have Piriformis syndrome from a back accident. The Bengay Pain Patch is SO helpful. It provides relief when I am sleeping, traveling, and sitting. It really has changed my life as I do not need to take painkillers as much.

From: Alison – New York, USA

I always keep a couple of ziploc bags in my car. When I start to get sore, I stop and fill it up with ice cubes. I place it directly on my lumbar spine (the first 30 seconds are uncomfortable) and keep my spine as close to the seat as possible. In 20 minutes my back pain is replaced by numbness in the cold – a trade I'll take any day.

From: Mjkane – Illinois, USA

Communicate with others about pain free travel

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