Traveler Tips – Keeping your back healthy during plane travel

Why is my back sore after flying?

What causes most of the back pain for air travelers is remaining static for long periods. Sitting motionless for hours, cramped in a plane seat while your muscles stiffen can take its toll.

What air travelers often do before they even step on to the plane can wreak havoc on their back as well. Loading heavy, stuffed luggage into the car, racing through the airport with carry-on bags dangling on shoulders and then trying desperately to fit those bags into the overhead storage only compounds back problems.

What can I do to ease my back pain?

Pre-Flight

Believe it not, your preparation begins before you even take off. The stronger your back and core is before the flight, the better chance you have of surviving it without pain. Participating in activities like Pilates or similar core strengthening exercises can go a long way in the battle against back pain.

Mid-Flight

There are methods to alleviate your back pain while you’re in the air as well. These include:

• walking up and down the aisle every 40 minutes or so will allow your back muscles to loosen up a little.
• Try to stretch using stretching exercises from Straighten Up if you can find the space. (An aisle seat is perfect for this).
• placing a book on the floor to put your feet on will raise your legs slightly, putting them in better alignment with your hips.
• using a pillow or rolled up sweatshirt as lumbar support on the back of your seat, which will act as a cushion for your lower back.
• being hydrated. Dehydration can worsen back pain, especially if you have pre-existing disc problems. Make sure you drink plenty of water and try to avoid caffeinated drinks.

Post-Flight

If you are still experiencing pain after your flight, it’s important to get up and moving. Avoid sitting or lying down for long periods of time as this could just make the pain worse.

Seeing your chiropractor is a fantastic option if you are feeling the effects of flight related back pain. Sometimes a simple adjustment to your spine before and after a plane trip can save you from dealing with unnecessary back pain. Talk to your chiropractor about good posture techniques and exercises for your travels.