Whether you’re hitting the open road or catching a flight, summer travel is exciting—but it can be hard on your spine. Long hours of sitting, carrying heavy bags, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds can quickly add up to aches and pains. Here are some practical, chiropractor-approved tips to keep your spine healthy and happy wherever summer takes you.
Set Yourself Up with Supportive Seating
Before a road trip or flight, take a moment to adjust your seat. In the car, tilt the seat so your hips are level with or slightly higher than your knees, and use a small pillow or rolled-up sweater to support your lower back. On a plane, bring a travel neck pillow and lumbar support to keep your spine aligned in those tight seats.
Support Circulation with Compression Hosiery
Long periods of sitting can lead to swelling in your legs and feet—and even increase the risk of blood clots. Wearing light-to-moderate compression socks improves blood flow, reduces fatigue, and helps prevent swelling. They’re especially helpful for people with varicose veins, pregnancy, or a history of circulation issues.
Don’t Skip Your Orthotics
Custom orthotics aren’t just for daily wear—they’re a must-have for travel days. Walking through airports, standing in long lines, or spending hours exploring a new city can strain your feet and lead to pain in your knees, hips, and back. Orthotics provide essential support, absorb shock, and promote proper alignment, so you can stay comfortable and mobile throughout your trip.
Move and Stretch Regularly
Try to stand up and stretch at least every hour or two during long travel days. Do some light movements like neck rolls, calf raises, ankle circles, and shoulder shrugs to keep your body loose and your circulation flowing.
Get Adjusted Before and After You Travel
A chiropractic adjustment before your trip helps ensure your body is aligned and ready for the journey. After you return, an adjustment can address any tightness, soreness, or imbalances caused by travel stress, poor sleep, or heavy lifting.
✈️ Ready to Travel Pain-Free?
Your vacation should leave you feeling refreshed—not dealing with back pain. Ask us about compression hosiery, orthotics, and pre-travel tune-ups to help you stay comfortable and aligned from takeoff to touchdown.
