Long-haul flights are uncomfortable enough. But add in a dose of back pain to an already cramped and confined flying experience, and suddenly travelling doesn’t seem that much fun anymore.
But hey, here at KarryOn we’re all about offering solutions. However, as we’re not trained doctors, we thought we’d talk to the experts on this one.
Talal W. Khan is a bona-fide expert on pain management. In fact, he’s the Director of Pain Management at the University of Kansas Medical Center, so you just know he knows what he’s talking about.
Here are five tips straight from the doctor’s mouth to help you avoid back pain while flying.
1. Don’t skimp on your exercise pre-flight
Got a long-haul flight coming up?
Then whatever you do, don’t fall off your exercise wagon.
The best way to avoid your muscles cramping at 30,000 feet in the sky is to keep active in the lead up to your flight.
“Whatever your regular exercise and stretching regimen is, keep it up so that your muscles are nice and nimble in advance of the flight,” says Dr. Khan.
2. Sit up straight, just like your mother told you
Mums know best.
You know how she used to tell you to sit properly, and not slouch?
Well, she really was onto something.
According to Dr. Khan, the best way to support your back is to sit up straight and place a pillow between your lower back (your lumbar region) and the back of the seat.
This way, you won’t slouch, and you’ll help your back maintain a natural lumbar curve, which will reduce the likelihood of back spasms.
#winning
3. Move around, a lot
The key to avoiding back pain, just like in the days leading up to your flight, is to keep active when flying.
Walk around the cabin for five minutes every hour to keep your muscles nice and loosy goosy.
Oh, and make sure you stretch every hour or so.
Dr. Khan recommends this, so just listen to the man okay!
4. Drink, drink, drink!
I know you work in the travel industry, and you probably think I’m referring to alcohol here.
But I’m not. I’m talking water here. H. 2. O.
Make sure you stay hydrated when flying, as a lack of water can make your joints stiff and your back issues even worse.
Drinking lots of water will also mean you need to get up off your seat to visit the bathroom every so often, which ensures you stay active during your flight.
It will also give you an “excuse” when you just can’t stop yourself from perving at that hottie in seat 24A.
5. Less is more
If you’ve got back issues, then it really may be a blessing in disguise.
Controversial, I know.
But it will force you to pack light when you travel, which will do wonders for your back.
The fact is you don’t need half as much as you think you do when you travel. Less really is more.
Especially when you’re trying to cram your luggage in an overhead compartment: “Lifting and twisting heavy bags into an overhead bin is one of the worst things you can do for your back,” says Dr. Khan.
