From stressing about making it to your gate on time to hauling heavy luggage to sitting in an uncomfortable seat, holiday air travel is stressful! Fortunately, the chiropractors at Preferred Chiropractic have tips to help reduce the toll air travel takes on the body. Here are our suggestions:
Check Heavy Bags
We all want to get in and out of the airport as quickly as possible, so you may be tempted to stuff a heavy bag into the overhead compartment instead of checking it. But with all the winter gear you’ve got to haul for your holiday trip, can you safely lift that heavy bag without injuring your back or neck? Don’t risk the aches and pains associated with back and neck injuries when checking your bag is an option.
Pack Light
One way to get around checking a heavy bag is to pack light! Try to focus on bringing only staple clothing items and those that you can mix and match. Rather than stuffing everything into one big bag, pack a few smaller bags, which will be easier to carry. Choose a suitcase with comfortable handles or a backpack with padded, supportive straps. A bag with wheels is also a great help, as you don’t want to drag a bag without wheels as it can hurt your arms or back.
Keep Things Circulating
When you’re stuck in a seat at high altitudes for hours, your primary focus is probably not on your circulation. To help your circulation, we can suggest some in-seat stretches. You can also get up and walk around once the plane is safely in the air.
Support Your Spine
Small and uncomfortable airplane seats are a big source of back pain when traveling by air. To reduce the risk of neck pain from falling asleep in a squished up position, invest in a neck/travel pillow. If you can’t get comfortable while seated, ask for a pillow to use as back support. If unavailable, use a rolled-up blanket or sweater to reduce pain and strain.
Visit Preferred Chiropractic
Sometimes all your spine needs is an adjustment! Our chiropractors provide gentle, effective spinal adjustments to maintain spinal health and keep your spine in proper alignment. These manipulations will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed before your next big flight.
Traveling to visit friends and family for the holidays should fill us with joy, not pain. To learn more about how chiropractic can help make your next flight an easy one, click here to contact us.
