Back pain can be a common and frustrating experience for many people. It is estimated that one in three adults have experienced back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain may arise due to an injury or strain, poor posture, or illnesses such as arthritis. Symptoms of back pain may include muscle aches, tenderness, sharp pains, and difficulty with movement.

It is important to get treatment for your back pain right away if it persists or worsens over time. Seeing a doctor for check-ups and avoiding activities that put stress on the back can help reduce the risk of developing chronic back problems. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications to manage inflammation and pain relief, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, massage therapy, and surgery.

Many people experience back pain, but it does not have to disrupt your life. By getting treatment early, you can reduce the chances of developing chronic back problems and manage your pain more effectively. Seeking medical advice from a specialist is recommended if you are experiencing persistent or worsening back pain. Taking action now can help prevent long-term issues that may affect your quality of life in the future.

Traveling can be a great way to get away from the daily grind of life and take time to relax in the sun. However, for those who suffer from back pain, it may seem like an impossible task. Summer heat can worsen existing back pain as muscles can become more tender with increased temperatures. In addition, sitting on planes or driving long distances can make it difficult to find relief from any discomfort.

In this blog, we will discuss 5 tips when traveling with back pain and hopefully, these will help in finding some relief when traveling this summer.

5 Tips When Traveling With Back Pain

1. Make sure to pack a support pillow for your back. This will help you stay comfortable while sitting on planes or long car rides and can also be used as a cushion for other activities like lounging in the hotel room.

2. Stretch regularly throughout travel days, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. This will help keep your muscles from becoming tense and reduce associated back pain.

3. Bring along any over-the-counter or prescribed medications that you have been using to manage your back pain at home. You may need them during the trip and should not rely solely on potentially unfamiliar local options which may not provide adequate relief.

4. Invest in supportive shoes for long walking days. Wearing shoes with good arch support can help reduce strain on the lower back and decrease discomfort.

5. If possible, try to alternate activities during your day, such as combining walking with sitting in short bursts rather than prolonged stationary activity. This will help to keep your muscles from becoming stiff and reduce any associated pain. Additionally, take regular breaks from carrying heavy bags or suitcases when traveling to allow your back time to rest and recover throughout the journey. By following these simple tips you can have a more comfortable traveling experience even if you suffer from chronic back pain.

Traveling can be hard on your back, so if you are someone who suffers from chronic back pain it is essential to take the necessary steps to treat it. When you are sitting in a car or airplane for long periods of time, your back is forced into bad positions and is kept in these compressed positions for too long. This can cause significant strain and discomfort not only during the trip but also upon arrival at your destination. It can even lead to more serious issues such as herniated discs that require medical attention.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Back Pain

Physical therapy can be a great way to treat back pain. It aims to reduce pain, improve mobility and function, and help the patient return to their normal activities. Treatment typically begins with an initial evaluation by the physical therapist who will assess the cause of the back pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.

This may include exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles, manual manipulation techniques, ultrasound or electrical stimulation for muscle relaxation or stimulation, and other modalities as needed. The therapist may also teach patients proper posture and body mechanics so they can prevent future injuries.

It’s important to consult with your physical therapist or doctor about the best treatment plan for your specific situation. With the right combination of treatments, you can overcome back pain and return to an active lifestyle.

Are You Wanting To Travel This Summer Without Dealing With Back Pain?

Are you dealing with back pain and want to be able to travel without the concern that you will be unable to enjoy your trip with back pain?

Empower PT & Pilates offers a Travel Ready Assessment, which is a great way to get the conversation started on the next steps in your treatment if you are experiencing pain.

We want to help, so contact our Arvada location today to schedule a time to come see us.  Contact our team or schedule a Travel Ready Assessment so we can begin looking at different treatment plans for the pain you are experiencing.

All you need to do is tell us a bit about what’s going on through this quick form and we will have a conversation about how we may be able to help.

You can also give us a call at (720) 722-0685. 

See you soon,

Dr. Casey

Other Free Resources…

Free Guide – 7 Simple Way To Finally END Back Pain

Read our blog – Should You Exercise With Back Pain? 

Read our blog – 6 Pilates Exercises That Will Help With Back Pain

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