With the holiday season officially just days away, it’s important to remember to watch your back while traveling to see your loved ones! Check out these top tips to keep back pain at bay while enjoying the holiday season.

Take Breaks!

Long spouts in the car can really wreak havoc on your back! Between the stress of traffic to long hours on the road, back pain is often the last thing on your mind… until it strikes! Make sure to make frequent stops on long road trips, especially to stretch and walk around. This will help ease any tension that may be building in your spine, and will be good for your frame of mind as well.

Fly Pain Free

Few consider back pain while scheduling flights, but make sure to keep this in the forefront of your mind when booking for holiday travel! A direct flight may not seem like the ideal option, especially given our last suggestion, but the less time you spend cramped in the air, the better. If you’re able, bring a back-support cushion, back roll, or even request a couple pillows from your flight attendant to help ensure back pain won’t rear its ugly head at the end of your flight.

Bring on the Heat!

While one doesn’t usually associate the Winter holidays with heat, applying some heat to the source of your chronic pain can help reduce swelling. If traveling via airplane, bring along an empty hot water bottle and ask your flight attendant to fill it up with hot water during the flight. Another obvious alternative is ICE! Alternating between hot and cold compresses on your back can also help attack neck and back pain at the source!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!

While you might look cool in front of your nieces and nephews for carrying in everyone’s luggage on your own, if you suffer from chronic pain, the reward isn’t worth the cost. If presented with a pile of luggage, groceries, or anything else that could cause a strain, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. With that in mind, make sure to use proper technique when lifting any heavy objects.

Ask the Professionals

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact the Center for Spine and Orthopedics for tips, tricks, or resources that align with your particular diagnosis or pain situation. Be thorough in your travel plans to ensure we can best meet your needs!

From the Center for Spine and Orthopedics family to yours, we wish you both safe travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your loved ones.