Tips to Alleviate Aches and Pain While Traveling

Travel can be fun but can also lead to aches and pain due to the time spent in vehicles. These tips help minimize that pain and maximize fun.

Ditch anything unnecessary unless you want your body to suffer as a result of bad posture. Ideally, your bag will be no more than 15% of your weight. While many people bring their laptops to study or work while traveling, you may wind up with poor posture as you work in vehicles. Touring lighter could mean packing more of your items in checked luggage. When you cannot pack lighter, you must travel smarter. Opt for a bag on wheels rather than a carryon over your shoulder. Use a luggage cart if possible. A backpack with two wide, padded straps more evenly distributes weight.

You might think to bring along a pillow when you fly; however, a neck pillow can support your neck during road trips as well. Don't forget to bring your pillow if you'll be sleeping in hotels or a guest in someone's home. Not all pillows are created equal, and you don't want to wake up with a sore neck.

Airplanes may be cramped, so give yourself as much room as possible by place luggage in overhead bins. On long flights, you can walk the cabin even if it's just to the bathroom and back. Request an aisle seat, which makes it easier for you to stand. Similarly, take breaks on road trips where you can get out, walking around, and stretch.

Car seats allow you to adjust so that you're close enough to the steering wheel with your knees slightly above your hips. Drivers can periodically relax their grip on the wheel and flex their fingers. Passengers in any vehicle should move toes, hands, shoulders, and limbs as much as possible.

While you can stake steps to make sure you don't wind up with a neck ache, sometimes travel leaves us stiff and in pain. In those instances, a chiropractor may be able to help.

Get Rid Of Your Pain

Call Houma-Thibodaux Spine & Rehabilitation at 985-873-8586 to schedule an appointment.