Premier Pain & Spine of Chicago are experts in pain management.
At a Glance: Navigating Chronic Pain This Thanksgiving
- Long drives and flights can exacerbate chronic back or joint stiffness.
- Planned travel can help ensure comfort and mobility for all passengers.
- Stretching, correct posture and pain management techniques can all help to ease discomfort on the go.
- Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, IL provides expert strategies for avoiding pain flare-ups during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Why Holiday Travel and Chronic Pain Coexist
Thanksgiving travel is often seen as an enjoyable opportunity to reconnect with loved ones; but for those living with chronic pain, these trips can be daunting. Sitting still for too long in any position can aggravate back pain, neck tension, sciatica and joint stiffness, and prolong the painful cycle that ensues.
Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago understands the challenges involved with holiday travel can be stressful and daunting. By carefully planning and seeking expert guidance for reducing discomfort during travel, you can make the journey much smoother.
Top Strategies for Reducing Pain During Thanksgiving Travel
#1. Arrange Safe Travel Breaks
Make it a point when driving to stop every 60-90 minutes to stretch, walk and reset your posture. Movement helps improve circulation, relieve pressure on the spine, prevent stiffness or flare-ups and ensure overall wellness.
If you’re flying, make time every hour or two to either walk the aisles, stretch your legs or roll your shoulders while remaining seated.
#2. Pack to Reduce Pain
Keep essentials handy that could make all the difference: pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and sunscreen can make all the difference in relieving pain during long travel days.
- Lumbar support pillow or back cushion
- Loose clothing and comfortable shoes
- Travel neck pillow for long plane flights or car rides
- Prescribed painkillers (as part of your pain relief medication treatment plan). Always check with your pain management specialists before taking pain medications.
- Portable heating pad or cold pack (battery-powered for travel convenience).
These small comforts may prevent minor aches from turning into major discomfort.
#3. Uphold Proper Posture
Poor posture is one of the primary contributors to chronic back pain and muscle fatigue. Sit with both feet flat on the floor while keeping shoulders relaxed; make sure that hips are slightly above knee level when setting your seat height.
If you’re flying, opt for an aisle seat so you can stretch more freely or recline slightly to lessen strain on your lower back.
#4. Stay Hydrated + Eat Mindfully
Dehydration and high-sodium foods can exacerbate inflammation and joint pain, so be sure to pack a refillable water bottle along with healthy snacks such as nuts, raw veggies or granola to stay nourished and minimize fast food stops.
#5. Take Advantage of Movement in Your Favor
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis, or sciatica, taking gentle movement steps before and after traveling can make a big difference. Light stretches, short walks or mobility exercises may all help warm up the muscles before traveling. Check out this article on stretching & mobility exercises for long travel days.
Regular movement helps improve blood flow, reduce stiffness and avoid flare-ups.
#6. Manage Stress Along the Way
Holiday stress can increase physical pain. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises during your journey to reduce tension levels and enhance pain tolerance. Listening to soothing music or participating in guided meditation sessions is another great way to reduce stress levels and manage pain better.
When Should You Consult a Pain Management Specialist?
If your pain worsens after travel or is interfering with your enjoyment of the holidays, it could be time to visit a pain management doctor. At Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, our board-certified pain physicians specialize in advanced chronic pain treatments such as nerve blocks, spinal injections and regenerative therapies to alleviate it at its source.
Our team can assess your symptoms, identify triggers, and develop a tailored plan to help manage pain more effectively, not only during the holidays but all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Pain
Will flying worsen my chronic back or neck pain?
Unfortunately, sitting for long periods can aggravate existing spine conditions. Stretch regularly, remain hydrated, and use lumbar support as necessary for relief.
How can I prevent joint stiffness during travel?
Take frequent breaks to move around, stretch before and after sitting, and stay hydrated so your muscles and joints remain flexible and fluid-free.
Should I take pain medication before traveling?
For best results, consult with a pain management doctor prior to any long travel plans, as taking medication before embarking can sometimes prevent flare-ups during long distance journeys.
Should I visit a doctor about chronic travel pain?
If the discomfort continues beyond your trip or worsens with rest and stretching, schedule an appointment with Premier Pain & Spine’s Chicago pain specialist for evaluation.
Find Pain Relief This Holiday Season
Don’t let chronic pain keep you from making lasting memories this Thanksgiving! At Premier Pain & Spine, our specialists are here to ensure your travel is comfortable while simultaneously managing pain effectively.
Serving Chicago and its suburbs, our pain clinics are now taking appointments for consultations to find lasting pain relief during this holiday season. Call now for your appointment!
Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534