The likelihood is, if you’ve had back pain, you’ve also probably had it when on holiday. Whilst this isn’t always avoidable, we thought we’d give you some tips to help you whilst you should be relaxing!
Destination
It’s important to keep moving. If you are going on a holiday where you are on the beach relaxing, make sure you get up often and walk around. If you are on an active holiday however (such as skiing), make sure you do not overdo it and take breaks regularly!
With your hotel, the best option would be for you to have a ground floor room. Minimising the amount of steps you have to tackle each day can really help in reducing your pain.
If you can contact your hotel ahead of time, ask them if there is someone who can help you get your bags to your room. Don’t try to be a hero, if you have been sat down traveling for a while and then try to lift heavy bags, your back will not thank you.
Luggage
The way you travel can have a BIG impact. Try to pack light. This will help you when you have to carry or move your bag if there is no one to help you.
If you are using a backpack, make sure it isn’t over filled and has a chest strap (and that you wear it!) for better weight distribution.
If you are using a suitcase, use the wheels and wheel it around rather than dragging it behind you.
Pick your seat!
Whether flying, on the coach, boat, car… try a choose where you are sitting.
It’s important to have somewhere with as much room as possible.
Make sure you get up and have a walk every 30-60 minutes.
In between your short walks, keep up with gentle movement. Rock your pelvis back and forth, rotate your mid back and look up and down/ over each shoulder.
Bring a pillow with you to support your back
Even if there is a fee to choose your seat, we would definitely recommend it! Choose a seat where you won’t be discouraged about regularly getting up from your chair just because someone else has to move for you to get out.
Alternatively, if you cannot choose ahead of time, ask someone to swap seats with you. If someone came up to you saying they have a painful back and are struggling, wouldn’t you offer to help them out and swap seats?
Road Trips
Find regular stops for fuel/ food to have a good excuse to stretch.
Planning ahead and discuss with the driver where you can stop so everyone knows the plan.
Packing a pillow can really help the comfort of the journey. It can be useful if you want to sleep or help support your back.
Sitting in the front seat can help as it you may have more room to stretch your legs.
