North Atlanta Chiropractic Center

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Stop Travel Pain in its Tracks

As travel restrictions finally start to lift, and with summer fast approaching, everyone is ready to travel! Of course, many people spend countless amounts of time traveling for work and other purposes. Lots of people choose to fly, or even need to fly, to their destination because it saves so much time, and in some cases even saves some mone

 

If you are one of many travelers who prefer to go by air, you may have noticed flying can really take a toll on you! It’s more than just a little “jet lag” or the change of time zones. Air travel actually takes a significant toll on your body. This can be worsened with long car rides, sleeping in unfamiliar beds, and added stress. 

Your best bet to conquer travel-related aches and pains is to be prepared. Read on to find out how to handle the common ailments related to travel. 

Circulation

It’s no secret that sitting in a cramped space for an hours long flight or drive is going to decrease your circulation. This can cause your feet to swell, can create aches and pain in your joints and muscles and in worst case scenarios can even contribute to blood clots. Some things you can do to alleviate this problem are: 

  • Wear compression socks if you are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • Get up and move around some if you can. 
  • Rotate your feet and ankles to promote circulation. 
  • Schedule an appointment with your chiropractor. Percussor therapy helps to stimulate  circulation and release muscular tension. 

Back and Neck Pain

Repeated changes in sleeping accommodations, turbulence, excessive vibrations and hours of sitting can lead to back pain and can certainly cause flare ups of any chronic conditions you may have. If you experience neck or back pain, you can try these strategies for relief: 

  • Take your own pillow from home with you to your travel destination. 
  • Do not pack excessively heavy luggage, and make sure you bend at the knee to pick up any heavy luggage or bags.
  • Rotate your feet and ankles to promote circulation when seated for longer time periods. 
  • Schedule an appointment for chiropractic care before and after you fly to maintain your spinal health.

Energy Levels

Travel may sometimes make you feel a bit drained and no one wants to spend a vacation day all down and out. From jet lag to changing time zones, we can really feel wiped out. The air in the cabin of a plane is very dry. This can lead to dehydration, dry mouth, sinus trouble and may contribute to fatigued feelings as well. If you feel your energy levels dip while travelling, try these remedies:

  • Always make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your travels. 
  • Eye drop may help remedy itchy eyes due to dry air in the cabin.
  • There are saline nasal sprays available, and they can help control sinus problems stemming from dry air in the plane’s cabin. 
  • Schedule Laser Therapy. Laser therapy can increase the circulation of both blood and oxygen through the body as well as decrease inflammation and provide pain relief.

Before Your Next Trip

You should always consult your doctor before you travel just to be sure you aren’t taking any unnecessary risks. You should also consider a visit to your chiropractor as well. Your chiropractor can help advise you and show you exercises that may help relieve some of the stiffness and soreness associated with travel. You will also want to make sure to look for recommendations for a good chiropractic office in the location you are traveling to, in order to address any needs while you are traveling. 
If you need chiropractic care in the Atlanta, Georgia area, please visit North Atlanta Chiropractic Center online and schedule a free consultation right away!