Travel is supposed to be exciting, but long flights and road trips are often dreadful for people with chronic back pain. Dr. Rina Caprarella understands that staying seated for several hours and lugging around heavy suitcases is less than desirable for individuals battling back pain. The physician, specializing in neck and back pain, recently offered her top tips for traveling comfortably.
Consider Additional Legroom
Additional legroom allows travelers with neck and back pain a little extra comfort in a typically uncomfortable situation on an airplane. Dr. Caprarella explained that a little extra legroom can save a traveler’s back and their trip.
She suggested opting for seats with additional legroom or requesting to be placed in the exit row. Aisle seats also allow more space for passengers to stretch their legs and make it easier to stand up and walk when necessary.
Dr. Caprarella suggested booking multiple shorter flights rather than one long flight whenever possible. Use time in the airport to walk around and stretch before the next leg of the journey.
Create a Comfortable Seat
Planes are not often praised for their comfortable seats. They typically lack legroom and lumbar support. Dr. Rina Caprarella suggested coming prepared with a seat cushion, lumbar pillow, and even a small massage roller to ease back pain during flight.
Ask for Assistance
Individuals with chronic back pain should not lift heavy items over their heads and into the carry-on bins. Dr. Caprarella explained the importance of asking for help when lifting heavy items. She also suggested buying carry-on and checked luggage with wheels.
Keep Medications Close
Dr. Caprarella explained that it’s common for travelers to put their medications in their checked luggage to avoid hassles with TSA. However, they should always be easily accessible in carry-on luggage. Keep medications in their original containers to avoid any hassles.
“Over-the-counter pain relievers and pain patches can be helpful on long flights or road trips,” Dr. Caprarella said. “Flight attendants are often happy to fill a bag with ice for passengers in pain as well. The key is to ask for what you need to make your flight as comfortable as possible.”
Neck and Back Pain Expert
Dr. Rina Caprarella is known throughout the medical community for her expertise in neurophysiology and neck and back pain. She has been the co-chair of the Center for Neck and Back Pain at ProHEALTH since 2018. She prides herself on helping patients ease their neck and back pain without surgical care.
“Travel can be a drag for individuals with chronic neck or back pain, but the pain shouldn’t keep them from doing what they love,” Dr. Caprarella said. “The right preparations can be the difference between painful and truly enjoyable travel.”
