With Spring Break right around the corner, there’s a good chance you have some travel coming up in your future. No matter how great the destination is, long travel days can have a debilitating effect on neck pain which can make traveling far less enjoyable. By following these tips, however, get a head start on avoiding neck pain so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Pack Light
Whether we’re hauling luggage around airports or loading and unloading it from cars, the strain can take a toll on your neck. Keep your travel baggage as light as possible by packing only the essentials that you’ll need for your destination. If you are prone to neck pain however we recommend packing a neck pillow for support, either acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil), along with either a heat wrap or ice pack for injury prevention on the go.
Be Aware of Your Posture
When we travel for long periods of time, our posture can tend to become much more slouched as we crunch into cars or planes. While slouching may feel more comfortable in the moment, pain can show up later from these awkward seated positions. Try to sit up straight and stretch your neck often by rolling it gently from side to side to avoid any stiffness. Take opportunities to stand and stretch as often as possible when flying, or stopping for rest breaks while driving to avoid sitting for too long.
Stay Calm
Traveling can come with many different stressors such as missing connecting flights, the person sitting behind you kicking your chair, or a flat tire on the side of the road. When we’re stressed we tend to tense up our muscles, which can lead to neck soreness and pain. By staying calm and remembering to take deep breathes, this can help to relax your muscles to avoid any pain from tightness once you’ve reached your destination.
Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your next adventure and enjoy it pain-free. If you are suffering from any severe neck pain do seek our medical attention immediately. Fill out our appointment request form online today.