Many people have the goal of traveling. It has many benefits, such as getting to see family or having a great destination vacation, and it’s understandable why so many people long for it. However, traveling can intensify back and neck pain. While traveling is often a fun adventure, the act can stress and strain your neck and your back. Fortunately, it’s possible to take steps to protect your neck and back from unnecessary strain while traveling.
4 Tips for Avoiding Back Pain While Traveling
Taking care of your neck and back during traveling can help your spinal health in the long run. Avoid creating future spinal problems by being proactive about your health. Here are four tips to help minimize back and neck strain while traveling.
1. Take Care While Lifting Your Luggage
Improper lifting is one of the most common reasons people experience back problems. Protect your spinal structures by lifting as follows:
- Bend at the knees and squat to lift
- When being, carry the weight in your leg muscles rather than your back muscles
- Carry items close to your chest rather than in front of your body
- Distribute the weight evenly on both sides of the body
- Move your body to meet your luggage instead of pulling the luggage to you
Additionally, when lifting, you should move slowly and carefully.
2. Lift Your Luggage in Stages
Back injuries typically occur when the body’s range of motion ends. For example:
- Bending at the waist to lift the suitcase
- Lifting the suitcase from the ground to the overhead
- Twisting the waist to move the suitcase from the truck to the ground
Breaking the actions of lifting a suitcase into multiple and distinct motions can help prevent injury. When you break it down into steps, you’re more aware of your body’s movement and can protect yourself from accidentally straining or pulling something.
3. Pack Light
Most people tend to overpack, and it’s understandable. The last thing you want is to be on the other side of the country and realize you forgot something. However, bulky suitcases can be hard to handle, and lifting those improperly can do a lot of damage. If you are the kind to overpack, try finding less heavy materials for your suitcase. Opt for using a suitcase made of canvas or vinyl that is less heavy than leather.
4. Minimize Carrying and Handling Your Luggage
The airport offers many options for minimizing luggage handling, such as:
- Curbside check-in services
- Mobility assistance
- Per-boarding options
- Airport worker assistance
- Shipping luggage ahead of you
Taking advantage of the many assistance options available at the airport can help protect your spinal health. The options are there to be used, so next time you’re traveling, ask for help.
Experiencing Back Pain? Find Pain Relief at NJ Spine & Orthopedics
Your back pain shouldn’t get in the way of traveling. Our award-winning, board-certified orthopedic specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you find the best course of treatment with the least invasive approach possible so you can get back to traveling sooner. Start your journey to living a pain-free life and enjoying your travels by working with our spine specialists. Our patient-centered approach prioritizes you and your specific needs so we can find the best treatment plan and get you the much-needed pain relief that you desire.
You can schedule an appointment today at (866) 272-9271 or fill out our contact form.