Traveling is hard on our bodies for two main reasons: it requires us to use our bodies in ways they're not used to, such as hoisting luggage over our heads into bins and yanking it off a moving baggage claim, and to sit still for long periods, often in a cramped space. Planning in advance is imperative to help you have as comfortable a trip as possible. Here are a few things others have tried and found to work well.
Lift luggage in stages. Move slowly when lifting your luggage and break the action into smaller parts. For example, when lifting a bag into an overhead bin, first lift it to the arm of the seat, then to the top of the seatback and then into the bin in separate motions. And, never twist while lifting!
Pack light. Use two smaller bags rather than one large/heavy bag, especially if you will have to lift the bags in/out of car trunks, off airport baggage carousels, into and out of overhead bins, etc.
Medication. Be sure you keep all your medication with you in flight-do not check it in with luggage. Do not put different medications into the same containers. Keep each type of medication in its own prescription bottle. Always take a little more than you will need. And consider muscle relaxants for long trips.
Hot & cold pain relief. Bring extra Ziploc bags and ask a flight attendant to fill one with ice for you. Place it between your lower back and the seat. Leave it on for 20 minutes to numb the lower back, repeat as needed. Heat is great too, but you would have to check with your airline to see what is allowed past security.
Get an aisle seat. Ask for an aisle seat out of medical necessity. Since back pain can't be seen, traveling with a letter from your doctor that explains your condition will help you get special consideration.
Get wheelchair assistance. Ask for a wheelchair in advance...it can be a back saver! You won't have to carry your bags, walk to the gate or stand while waiting in line at security. Ask when you make your reservation. Even if it is supposed to be just a short walk to the gate, remember gates can change, and there's a lot of standing in line going through security. Try it; you'll love it!
Preboard. When they call for pre-boarding for people who need assistance, that's you. Make sure the gate agent knows you will need to pre-board. Conversely, if sitting for a moment longer than necessary will be unbearable, board last. If you do this, make sure your carry-on can fit beneath your seat, because if you board last, the overhead bins might already be full.
Sit with support. Place a small rolled-up airline pillow, blanket, or a towel or lumbar pillow between your back and the seat to support the natural inward curve of your lower back.
Think knees. While seated, your knees should be bent at a right angle. If your seat is too high, place your feet on something that can act as a firm footrest-like a book or box -to keep your knees at a right angle and avoid stressing the low back.
Drink water. Water circulates healing nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Drink water frequently to help keep your pain at bay and keep your body nourished.
Wear slip-on shoes. Wear good, comfortable supportive shoes if you will be walking distances through airports, train stations, etc. Slip-on shoes are the best, because it's easy to get them on and off (without having to bend over) when going through security.
Happy traveling!
Karen McConnaughey is Manager of Operations for Focus on Mexico. If you want to read additional archived articles by Karen, go to www.focusonmexico.com.
