6 Easy Ways to Have a Successful Flight
In a previous article, we discussed some tips for preventing summer road trip pain. Depending on where you are headed, you may be taking a flight. As the current pandemic improves, you may be planning your much needed summer vacations. Keep reading to discover 6 easy ways to have a successful flight.
1. Have Good Back Support
Back pain is a common issue that many people experience, especially if they travel often. This can be caused by an uncomfortable seat, which makes it challenging to find a good position to relax or having a misaligned spine. Regardless of the cause, back pain is never fun on an airplane. If you did not bring a back support pillow with you, you can ask a flight attendant for one. An alternative is to roll up a sweater or blanket to provide some support for your sore back.
2. Have Good Neck Support
Neck pain is another common issue for those that fly often. To avoid straining your neck during your next flight, you can buy a travel neck support pillow. These pillows fit snugly around your neck and are designed to support your head and keep your neck aligned as you sleep in an upright position. When you are awake, neck pillows help prevent slouching. This is beneficial for both your back and neck since slouching places excessive pressure on your spine. Excessive pressure then can lead to pain or discomfort.
3. Pack Light
It’s tempting to overpack your carry-on bag to save money. However, it’s best to pack light. A good guideline is to only bring a bag that is less than 10 percent of your body weight. A heavy bag can place unnecessary stress on your back and shoulders while you lift and carry the bag several times throughout your flight. That stress can cause muscle tension and tightness, which may cause a spine misalignment. Spine misalignments can lead to various health issues, such as pain and decreased mobility. Indeed, it’s best to only pack your family’s essentials for carry-on bags.
4. Move Regularly
Whether you are taking a short or long flight, it’s helpful to move around in your seat. If possible, try to walk around every two hours. This will help promote blood circulation in your body and reduce your risk for muscle tension, cramping, and even blood clots. Always ask a flight attendant when you are allowed to get up and move around. There are specific times during flights when passengers must remain seated for their safety.
5. Stay Relaxed
Stress can cause neck pain and tension, which is the last thing you want on your vacation. When planning your trip, remember to bring items to help you relax. If the whole family is coming too, you can include items for each family member based on their interests and ages. Adults will likely enjoy a relaxing podcast, interesting book, or adult coloring book. Children may appreciate a fun sticker book, chapter book, or tablet with their favorite movies and shows downloaded for offline use. No matter what you bring, remember to stay relaxed. This will help prevent your neck and shoulders from becoming sore and tense due to stress.
6. Book Your Chiropractic Adjustment Before Your Next Flight
Another great tip is to book a chiropractic adjustment with your local Noblesville Chiropractor. If you are suffering from a misalignment, your chiropractor can identify and treat these health concerns before your next flight. By realigning any misalignments, this will help you maintain a healthy spine and posture and reduce your risk for back, neck, and shoulder pain during a long trip. Contact Anchor Health Chiropractic today to learn more about how we can help you reach your fullest health potential through our advanced chiropractic care.
