Back Pain Relief Travel Tips

We all need a break. If you have back pain or pinched sciatic nerve symptoms, you probably need one more than most. Here is a back pain relief travel plan to help you cope. Holidays are great, a time to relax, be with the family, play with the kids, explore, romance your loved one…or are they? If you have back problems you may be thinking it is easier to stay at home...

For many of us with back pain and sciatica symptoms just the very thought of a long journey, a strange bed, a lot of sitting, standing and traveling just doesn't seem worth it. However with a few back pain relief travel tips you may reconsider…

With the onset of a ruptured disc and back pain I gave up holidays, and so did my family. That was just a miserable time for us all. Then I thought there must be a way. Whether it is a short trip or a long haul flight here are some hot tips for back pain relief during travel. 

1. Before you travel.

• First it is very important you contact your doctor to see if you are safe to travel with your back condition and that it will not compromise any back pain relief program you are undertaking.

• Check you can get proper travel insurance and do shop around and make sure you are well covered.

• If you require medication for you to get back pain relief make sure you carry enough for the duration of your travels and take some extra in case of delays. Ensure you carry your medications in your hand luggage and in their original labeled containers. Check with airline before booking your flights for the latest regulations.

• Try to book an aisle seat.

• Pack as lightly as possible, especially if you are carrying your luggage. If possible use suitcases with wheels; they are great if you have a bad back and sciatica symptoms.

• Check your destination. Is it easy for you to get around with your bad back and pinched sciatic nerve symptoms? You need to know what you can handle comfortably with your back problems and book accordingly.

2. During a flight.

• Drink lots of water on the flight. Particularly if you are taking back pain medication and as you are at altitude your body will easily get dehydrated which is not good for anyone and especially not if you have back pain, disc problems and pinched sciatic nerves.

• At least once an hour get out of your seat and walk up and down the aisles. If you are following a back care stretching and strengthening back pain exercise system then try to do some of these. Do be courteous to other passengers but it is possible to do especially the standing ones in the aisles or in the galley part if you request politely of the cabin crew at times when it is not too busy.

• Try not to fall asleep. This can be difficult but it is better to stay awake and move than to fall asleep and be in an uncomfortable position which may aggravate your back pain.

• When in your seat, use the pillows and take a lumbar support if you need to help you get in the most comfortable position you can for your back.

• Use a heat pad if that works for you to warm the muscles of your back and ease pain.

• Do ask for assistance; do not try to struggle or risk back strain putting luggage in the overhead bins.

3. Traveling by coach/ train/car.

• In a car whether you are the driver or passenger try to stop every hour. Get out and walk around, stretch and get the circulation going again.

• On a coach or train try to get an aisle seat and take every opportunity to stand up, get off, walk around and do your back pain relief exercises.

• Use a lumbar support or small towel or pillow behind your back and neck so you feel more comfortable.

• Use a heat pad if that works for you to warm your back muscles and ease pain.

4. At your destination

• If your destination is a long drive from the airport do consider staying in a nearby hotel/motel for one night so you can relax.

• Pace yourself. Treat your back well; build in rest times and times to do your back care stretches. No one knows your back like you do and it is your job to be aware of its needs. Listen to your body!

• If there is a pool and it is safe for you to do so, use it. Water therapy helps many people with back pain and pinched sciatic nerve symptoms and it is a good opportunity to do your back care stretches in the water.

• When on holiday do keep up with any back pain relief exercises you need to do. This is not the time to cut back on what you need to keep your back healthy. Continue to drink more water, have good nutrition, do your back care stretches and exercise regularly.

And finally…

Have a great time and enjoy yourself, you so deserve it! It is vital if you have back pain and pinched sciatic nerve symptoms that you ask questions, do your research and learn as much as you can. Feel free to visit my website at www.mypetback.com for more back pain articles, hints and tips on dealing with back pain in everyday life, information, back pain solutions and inspiration. No one cares about your back like you do.