Decreasing Back and Neck Pain When Traveling
Let’s face it, perfect posture eludes most of us, which causes all sorts of aches and pains. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who gets to travel first class, the cramped seats of coach are not your body’s friend.The seats typically do not have the proper support for your lumbar (low back) or cervical spine (neck), which further promotes poor posture. (Think about when you travel. What kinds of weird postural positions do you get in to try and get comfortable?)
When you sit for a long time with poor posture, the weight of the head on your neck is increased and pulls your shoulders forward. This creates excess force on the spine in the neck and tightness in the neck and chest muscles. You also begin to overuse the muscles along the spine, creating increased tension and pain in the back.
The first thing you can do to help is to get up. Getting out of your seat and walking around helps to increase the blood flow and oxygen to your muscles. Try to do this every 30 minutes.
Here are some additional exercises you can do right from your seat.
Chin Tucks
- Sit with your shoulders and head flat against the back of your chair. Tuck your chin in (give yourself a double chin!) Hold as long as possible.
Pelvic Tilts
- Tilt your pelvis under. (Curve your spine) Then switch and arch your back.
- Repeat as many times until you being to feel some relief in your low back.
Levator Scapulae Stretch
- Keep your torso upright while seated in your chair.
- Turn your head to one side and look down into your armpit.
- Bring the arm on the same side as you are looking up, placing your hand behind your head.
- Place the opposite arm behind you back. Gently pull your head down at an angle towards armpit until you feel a stretch.
- Hold and repeat.
Performing these exercises during your travels will hopefully leave you able to enjoy your trip without feeling like you’re still on the plane.