3 Tips To Make Airline Traveling More Comfortable When You Suffer From Lower Back Pain

If you get treatment on a regular basis from a chiropractor at a clinic like SpineCare Chiropractic Daniel S. Wright, D.C. for lower back pain, traveling can present a unique challenge. You are putting yourself in a situation where you may stress out your back while you are away from your regular care provider. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you are comfortable and don't hurt your back while traveling via airplanes this holiday season.

#1 Check All Of Your Bags

It is common practice for many airline passengers to try to keep their belongings limited so that they don't have to pay a checked baggage fee. However, what often gets overlooked with passing over on checking your baggage is that you now have to carry your luggage with you throughout the airport, onto the plane, and off your plane to your awaiting transportation. 

When you check your bag, you only have to get it to the check-in counter, and you can generally pick it up and go right to your awaiting transportation. Although checking your bags may add a little extra time to the end of your trip, it will save your back. You will not have to transport your luggage throughout the airport and on the airplane, which present numerous opportunities for your back to get strained or injured. By checking your luggage, you greatly limit your opportunity to be injured by your luggage. 

If you do have to bring any carry-ons with you, make sure that they are very light and something you can easily manage without straining your back at all. 

#2 Request An Aisle Seat

When you book your ticket, let the airline know that because of medical necessity that you need an aisle seat. This will increase the chance that you will actually get an aisle seat as the airline needs to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Some airlines let you pay to reserve a specific seat; you may want to consider this option.

An aisle seat makes it easier for you to get up when you need to use the restroom; you will not have to walk awkwardly past other seats and potentially injure your back. Additionally, an aisle seat will make it easier for you to get up and stretch throughout the flight, which can help alleviate any lower back pain you may suffer due to flying. 

#3 Request Early Boarding

Have your chiropractor write a note that explains that you have a lower back condition, or have your primary care physician write you a note explaining that you have a medical condition that requires you to board early. 

Share this note at the desk for where your plane is set to load. Without paying any additional fees, you should be allowed to board the plane in advance. That way, you will not have to jostle against other passengers and will be able to take your time getting to and taking your seat.

When you travel this holiday season, save your back by checking your bag, getting an aisle seat, and requesting early boarding. Be sure to get a medical note explaining that you have a medical condition that makes these accommodation necessary so that you can save your back while traveling via air this holiday season.