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Tips to Reduce Back & Neck Pain During Your Next Flight

August 1, 2021 by Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

Traveling is Resuming Again

Traveling is beginning to resume again, and with this uptick in travel patterns, you’ll most likely be flying on an airplane. Flying itself is quite rough on our bodies. Cramped seating, dehydration from elevation, limited areas to walk around. You get the picture. With this in mind, below are a few tips to help make your next flight more comfortable.

Choosing the Right Seat for Your Needs

If you’re a larger person, you may want to choose an emergency exit row with more legroom, provided you’re comfortable with the responsibilities of the exit row seating area. If you’re able to manage the expense, first class typically offers a much more comfortable and roomier experience.

Stretching Before & After Your Flight

Stretching for just a few minutes before and after your flight can allow your body to feel some sort of relief. We all know how stiff we feel after a longer flight, so choosing to partake in a brief stretching regimen before and after your flight can better prepare you for the trip ahead.

Walking During the Flight at Least Once Per Hour

Ensuring you move around during the flight at least once per hour can help tremendously when it comes to reducing aches, pains, and stiffness. Walking helps our blood flow and the standard movement of waking helps prevent stiffening of our joints. Simply waking up and down the aisles of the plane a couple of times every hour or so will help your body throughout the flying experience.

Staying Hydrated

Dehydration is one of the main reasons why we feel so “off” after a long flight. We’re much more likely to become dehydrated at 40,000 feet than we are here on the ground. So be sure to drink water here and there throughout the flight to ensure you’re maintaining good levels of hydration.

Avoiding Alcohol

Avoiding alcohol is a great way to feel better once you’ve landed. Alcohol dehydrates us significantly, especially at high altitudes. Additionally, the effects if alcohol are felt stronger at higher elevations. Yes, some of us indulge in an alcoholic beverage to help ease anxiety when we fly, yet it’s better to choose non-alcohol methods to reduce anxiety before and during a flight. There are several meditation and anxiety reduction apps available on our phones. Try one of those instead of wine, beer, or liquor next time you fly.

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants if You’re Experiencing Neck & Back Pain

If you’ve been experiencing neck and back pain from a long flight, you’ll want to contact us using the form below. We’ll be sure to address any issues you may be experiencing and have you well on your way to health abs wellness once again. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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