Last week, we discussed some chiropractic tips to avoid pain during your summer road trip. Depending on your destination, you may be flying instead. As the current pandemic improves, you may be months away from going on a much needed vacation. Let’s take a closer look at some tips to start your summer vacation right.
Back Support
Back pain is a common issue that many people face, especially if they travel frequently. This can be due to an uncomfortable seat, not being able to get in a good position to relax, or having a misaligned spine. No matter what the cause, back pain is not ideal on an airplane. If you did not bring a pillow with you, you can ask for one to use as a back support. Alternatively, you can use a rolled up sweater or blanket to provide some support for your back.
Neck Support
Similar to the back, neck pain is another common problem for those that fly often. To avoid straining your neck during your next flight, you can purchase travel neck pillows. These pillows fit snugly around your neck and are designed to support your head and keep your neck aligned while you sleep in an upright position. When you are awake, neck pillows can help prevent slouching during your trip. This is beneficial for both your back and neck since slouching places excessive pressure on your spine, which can cause pain or discomfort.
Pack Light
While it’s tempting to overpack your carry-on bag to save some money, it’s best to pack light. A good guide is to only bring a bag that is less than 10 percent of your body weight. Indeed, a heavy bag can place unnecessary stress on your back and shoulders as you lift and carry it multiple times during your flight. That stress can lead to muscle tension and tightness, which may cause a spine misalignment. Spine misalignments can cause a variety of health issues, including pain and reduced range of motion. It’s best to only pack your family’s essential items when it comes to carry-on bags.
Move Regularly
Whether you are taking a short or long flight, it’s a good idea to move around in your seat. If possible, try to walk around a little every couple hours. This will help promote blood circulation in your body and reduce your risk for muscle tension, cramping, and blood clots. Always ask a flight attendant when you are allowed to get up and move around, as there are certain times when you must remain seated for your safety.
Stay Calm
Did you know stress can cause you pain and tension in your neck? When planning your flight, it’s beneficial to bring items to help you stay calm. If your family is coming along, you can include items for each member of your family based on their ages and interests. For adults, good suggestions include a relaxing music playlist, good book, or adult coloring book. Children may enjoy a sticker book, chapter book, or tablet with their favorite movies downloaded to the device. No matter what you bring, it’s important to stay relaxed. This will help prevent your neck and shoulders from becoming tense and sore due to stress.
Schedule a Chiropractic Adjustment Before Your Flight
Aside from the tips above, you may want to schedule a chiropractic adjustment with your local Parker and Denver, CO Chiropractor. If you have a misalignment, your chiropractor can identify and treat these health issues before your next flight. By realigning any misalignments, this will help you maintain a healthy posture and reduce your risk for back, neck, and shoulder pain during the long trip. Reach out to Awaken Chiropractic today to learn more about our neurologically-based principled chiropractic care designed to help you reach your maximum potential.
