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Traveling When You’re in Pain: Strategies for Long Flights and Car Rides
It’s summer, the perfect time for a vacation by car or plane — but your pain is so bad that the thought of hours behind the wheel or crammed into an airplane seat are daunting. What can you do to make traveling easier?
At New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Matamoras, Pennsylvania, Ajay Kumar, MD, and our team diagnose and treat all types of pain. If you’ve got travel plans this summer, here are our top strategies for pain management on the go.
The challenges of traveling while in pain
Back pain and neck pain can take the fun out of travel fast. Some of the biggest challenges of travelling when you’re experiencing pain include:
- Long hours trapped in one position
- Experiencing higher levels of pain
- Worrying about traveling with medication and taking your medication doses on time
- Not eating regularly
- Sleeping in unusual beds
When you’re hurting, you can’t enjoy the pleasures of travel and could be in too much pain at your destination to have a good time. Here are some ways to solve these challenges and enjoy plane rides and road trips again.
5 pain management strategies for long plane flights and car rides
1. Fill needed prescriptions and have documentation
It’s smart to be concerned when you’re traveling with pain medication, especially if you’re crossing state lines or going international. Have copies of your prescriptions and your itinerary ready in case you’re asked about your medication. Make sure everything is correctly labeled for TSA screening if you’re flying.
2. Plan your trip around your meals and meds
Trying to make it to your destination in one long session is tempting, but it can be brutal. Plan regular stops that match up with when you need to eat and take your medications. Taking medications on time, with food if necessary, helps ensure that they work as intended.
3. Stop frequently
Another reason for frequent road breaks or multi-stop flights is to give your body a chance to move around and change positions. Being stuck in the car or an uncomfortable airplane seat can make your pain worse as your muscles stiffen and start to cramp. Pacing your travel can relieve stiffness, and you’ll be in better shape when you arrive at your destination.
4. Dress appropriately for the trip ahead
Travel already means you’re facing discomfort at least part of the way. Don’t make it worse by wearing formal or tight clothes for the car ride or flight. Wear loose-fitting casual clothes with layering options if you get too hot or too cold.
5. Pack a pillow
Sleeping in a hotel or a family member’s guest room can feel odd enough, but a new bed and change in pillows can wreak havoc on your neck, spine, and joints. Compress your pillow into a plastic bag and pack it along in your suitcase. Your body will thank you. And don’t forget to take along a travel pillow that you can use in your car or plane seat.
If you’re worried about pain interfering with your summer travel plans, contact New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kumar and our team.
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