“Tips for Traveling When You Have Back Pain”

Get Seat Smart: Book your flight as early as you can for the best seat choices. If you can afford it or have reward points, upgrading to business or first class may be worth the extra comfort. In coach, exit row seats have more legroom. But you need to be able to carry out emergency duties. Always aim for an aisle seat. You won’t have to climb over people, and it’s easier to stand and stretch or take a quick stroll. 

Timing Is Everything: Avoid long lines at check-in and security, and travel during off-peak times. Midweek tends to be less busy. Check in online when you can. And get to the airport at least an extra hour earlier than recommended. On road trips, try to avoid rush hour and heavy holiday travel days so you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Clearing Airport Security: Call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 to learn how to get through security more comfortably and easily. They can even assign a helper at the airport. If you want someone you know to go to your gate with you, ask your airline for a pass that allows the person through security without a ticket. A Transportation Security Administration notification card, which you can get online, or a doctor’s note about your condition can help things go more smoothly.

Sign Up for TSA Precheck: If you travel often, precheck can save you hassle and pain. You pay $85 for a five-year membership that fast-tracks you through airport security. You won’t have to take off your shoes, belt, or a light jacket. Even your liquids and laptop stay packed. You have to pass a background check and get fingerprinted. So, it’s not something you can sign up for on the spot. And not all airports have it, so check the ones you fly out of.

Phone or Email Ahead: Airlines, hotels, and cruise ships want to please you. Contact them ahead of time and ask about elevator access, bellhops, accessible bathrooms, and more. Be specific about what you need and what might help. If you have the option, go for a hotel that has a heated pool, hot tub, or sauna to ease your pain after a long day.

Ask for a Wheelchair: Even if you don’t usually need one, consider it. Airports are filled with snaking lines and long walks, which can be a recipe for back pain. You can reserve one when you buy your ticket or just ask for one at the airport. Either way, give yourself extra time. It could take a while for the airline to line up a chair and someone to push it. The service is free, but the attendants appreciate tips.

Pack Light and Get Wheels: Bring only the things you really need and divide them into a few light bags instead of a single heavy one. If you can’t stay light, you could ship your luggage ahead to your hotel or cruise ship. Nix the backpacks and duffel bags and go with rolling luggage. Ask for help every step of the way, from fetching your bag from the trunk to stowing it overhead.

Take Stretch Breaks: You might be tempted to power through a long trip. But you’ll probably regret it. If you’re on the road with someone else, take turns driving and pull over at rest stops for a quick stretch. On a plane, train, or bus, get up every 20-30 minutes and stand or stroll if you can. Let the driver or flight attendant know you’re dealing with pain and will need to stand up regularly. If you’re boxed in by meal carts, do stretches while seated.

Fly Direct or Lay Over? It depends. Long flights can make pain worse, but they cut your travel time. Connecting flights might mean rushing through airports. But you get a chance to stretch and use more accessible bathrooms on the ground. Try to leave at least 90 minutes for your layover. Ask the airline about transportation to your next gate.

Pack a Comfort Kit: Don’t skimp on this one. Make sure you have plenty of heat wraps, cold packs, and soothing creams. A small pillow can go a long way, too. Shift it around -- behind your back, under your bum -- to change your body position. If you’re shorter, a foldable foot rest helps you keep good posture. A light blanket keeps you warm and can be rolled up for more support.

Medication Tips: Keep your meds in your carry-on so you always have access to them. Bring more than you think you’ll need since you never know when you might get stuck. If you usually get shots for pain, get them before you leave. Keep all drugs in their original containers to avoid problems at security or customs. If your meds need to go in the fridge, call your hotel ahead of time to make sure your room has one.

Do It All, Just Not in One Day: Even if you’re not a planner, try to map out your trip. If one day involves a lot of walking or other activities, balance it with something more restful the next day. Look into bus tours that allow you to hop on and off so you can take in more sights with less strain. And of course, wear comfy clothes and shoes. Slip-ons are ideal for airports.

Keep Stress in Check: Few things ramp up anxiety like unexpected problems away from home, which can make pain even worse. Plan ahead as much as possible to help put your mind at ease. Talk to your travel buddies and let them know you need to build rest breaks into your trip. If you can afford it, get a massage or spa treatment. Distract yourself from the pain with a book, video, or music. Tablets are lightweight and perfect for this.

Drink Water and Rest: It’s easy to get swept up in the adventure of travel, but don’t forget the basics. Stay hydrated to help manage your pain. Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it on the other side. And don’t skip out on sleep. Your body needs time to recharge, so bring along whatever you need to ensure good shut-eye.

Talk to the Health Pros: Your doctor can give you travel advice specific to your condition, especially if you’re unsure about how certain activities will go for you. Others, like occupational therapists and driving rehab specialists, may offer great ideas, too. For example, rental car companies offer cars with things like swivel seats that can make them more user-friendly for you.

Tap Into the Web: Countries, states, and cities often have tons of information online about more accessible or comfortable travel options. San Diego, for instance, offers free beach wheelchairs and tips for taking in theater and getting your shopping done when you have a hard time getting around. There are lots of groups and even specialized travel agents who can connect you with the right resources to make your travel as pain-free as possible.

Reviewed by: Tyler Wheeler, MD on April 16, 2018

Sources:

WebMD

Travelers United: “A dozen tips to combat back pain while flying.”
New England Baptist Hospital: “Planning a Summer Vacation and Traveling with Orthopedic Issues and Pain,” “Traveling with Joint Pain,” “Traveling with Back Pain.”
Arthritis Foundation: “8 Tips for Pain-free Travel.”
Mobility International USA: “Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities.”
Transportation Security Administration: “Disabilities and Medical Conditions,” “Passenger Support,” “TSA Pre-Check,” “TSA Pre-Check FAQ.”
U.S. Department of State: “Traveling with Disabilities.”
U.S. Department of Transportation: “Wheelchair and Guided Assistance.”
OrthoInfo: “Tips for Lifting and Carrying Luggage.”
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School: “The Psychology of Lower Back Pain.”
National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association: “Travel Tips for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Illnesses.”
DepartSmart: “All Aboard - A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling with Disabilities.”
San Diego Tourism Authority: “Disability Accessible Travel in San Diego.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Travel Health: 25 Ways to Stay Well Abroad”

Health Issues in Paradise? Some of the world's most spectacular destinations are also home to some of the world's nastiest bugs. Yellow fever, malaria, and even polio can strike international travelers. Protect yourself by learning which vaccines or safety steps are a good idea for the area you're visiting. To give vaccines time to work, see your doctor four to six weeks before your trip.

 

Polio Booster: If you're planning an African safari, you may need a polio booster. This disease is still active in many parts of Africa and Asia. The germs can be spread through food, water, and contact with someone who is infected. Even if you had a polio vaccine as a child, you may need a booster to make sure you're protected against all three types of the virus.

 

Yellow Fever Vaccine: Along the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls attracts visitors from all over the world. Unfortunately, it also attracts mosquitoes that carry the yellow fever virus. Yellow fever occurs in parts of South America, as well as tropical Africa. You need a vaccination to visit certain countries, with a booster shot after 10 years. It's important to try to avoid mosquito bites, too.

 

Typhoid Fever Vaccine: Typhoid fever is a serious infection common in the developing world. It's caused by bacteria that can be found in food or drinks. About 5,700 people in the U.S. get typhoid fever every year -- most while visiting Asia, South America, or Africa. The CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine at least one to two weeks before traveling to these areas. If you've had the vaccine in the past, ask if you need a booster.

 

Tetanus Booster: Before planning any adventure travel, make sure you're up to date on your tetanus shot. Tetanus infections often result from skin injuries, including frostbite, burns, or punctures. The blame goes to a bacterium that is found in all parts of the world. Booster shots are recommended every 10 years.

 

Hepatitis A Vaccine: One of the great pleasures of international travel is trying all kinds of exotic foods. Unfortunately, dirty food or water can spread infections, including hepatitis A. This viral infection, which causes liver inflammation, is common throughout the developing world. If you weren't vaccinated as a child, ask your doctor about getting the vaccine series before heading abroad.

 

Hepatitis B Vaccine: The hepatitis B virus also causes liver inflammation, but is spread through blood or other body fluids infected with the virus -- not food. Many infected people carry the virus in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Pacific Islands, Caribbean Islands, and the Amazon River basin. The CDC recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for all travelers to these areas, especially adventure travelers, missionaries, Peace Corps volunteers, and military personnel.

 

Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is found all over the world, except Antarctica, and is spread through animal bites. Street dogs in Africa, Asia, and South America are the biggest problem for travelers, followed by monkeys living among the temples of Asia. A three-dose vaccine is available, though you still need treatment after a bite. The vaccine buys you time to reach medical care, and cuts the amount of treatment you'll need.

 

Flu Vaccine: If you get an annual flu vaccine, factor travel plans into the timing of your vaccine. In the Southern Hemisphere, flu outbreaks are most common from April through September. So, families planning a summer vacation in Australia, for example, should make sure they are vaccinated before departing.

 

Malaria Precautions: Malaria is a disease carried by mosquitoes. It's most common in sub-Saharan Africa, but also occurs in parts of South Asia and South America. If you're headed to that part of the world, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of drugs that prevent the disease. It's also smart to use mosquito repellents (30% - 50% DEET for adults), wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, and sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide.

 

Dengue Fever Precautions: Dengue fever is the most common cause of fever in travelers returning from the Caribbean, South Central Asia, and Central America. Recently, small numbers of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported in Key West, Fla. While most cases are mild, some people develop the more serious dengue hemorrhagic fever. There is no vaccine, but you can lower your chances when you travel by protecting against mosquito bites.

 

Tuberculosis Precautions: Tuberculosis (TB) is more common in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, although it is found all over the world. It's spread when a contagious person coughs. Travelers who spend time working or volunteering in hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters have a higher chance of being exposed to TB. If you think you may have been exposed, it's important to get a skin test. Quick treatment is the key to avoiding problems.

 

Leishmaniasis Precautions: Sleeping on the beach may sound romantic … until you think about sand flies. Bites can spread a disease called leishmaniasis. The most common type, found in parts of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, causes skin sores and ulcers. To avoid bites, stay indoors from dusk to dawn. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks. Bug spray and bed nets can also help.

 

Filariasis Precautions: Lymphatic filariasis is caused by a tiny, parasitic worm that spreads through mosquito bites. It affects millions in Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific, and a fraction of people go on to develop elephantiasis. In the Americas, the disease occurs in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Brazil. Short-term travelers are at low risk, but it's smart to avoid mosquito bites. Use repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net.

 

Bedbug Detection: Bedbugs are not choosy about where they stay -- they check into hostels and five-star resorts across the globe. They cause itchy red bites on the face, neck, arms, hands, or other body parts. But these marks can take up to two weeks to show up. To find them faster, look for tiny bugs in the folds of mattresses or sheets, rust-colored spots on the mattress, and a sweet musty odor.

 

Preventing Travelers’ Diarrhea: Travelers' diarrhea is the top travel-related illness, affecting up to half of international travelers. People visiting Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, are the most likely to get it. It's rarely serious and almost always goes away on its own. Still, you can take steps to prevent it that can also help stop more serious illnesses like cholera. The CDC recommends avoiding tap water, food sold by street vendors, raw or undercooked meats and seafood, and unpeeled fruits and veggies.

 

What About Fruits and Veggies? With a few safety steps, you can enjoy fruits and vegetables while traveling. Don't eat raw fruits and veggies, unless you can peel them yourself. A good rule of thumb: boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it. Also skip salads that may have been washed in tap water or smoothies made with non-purified ice.

 

Water Purification: "Don't drink the water" may be a rule for international travelers, but there are actually several ways to make local water safe. The safest way is to boil it for at least a minute. When this isn't possible, you can disinfect it with iodine tablets, but this may not kill all types of parasites. You can also use a portable water filter. If you buy bottled water, make sure the bottles come from a trusted source.

 

Antibiotics for Diarrhea: Despite all your safety steps, there's still a chance you may get travelers' diarrhea. If you’re heading to an area where this is likely, you may want to ask your doctor about bringing antibiotics. Moderate to severe traveler's diarrhea is often treated with antibiotics. If you still have diarrhea after taking antibiotics, it's important to get tested for a possible parasitic infection.

 

Dehydration Precautions: Adventures in extremely hot and humid climates can put you at risk for dehydration. Your chances are even greater if you develop traveler's diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry nose and mouth, and having to go to the bathroom less often. Sports drinks can help you stay hydrated if you're well, but they aren't a good idea when you have diarrhea. In that case, you should sip an oral rehydration solution.

 

Sunburn Precautions: Few things take the fun out of a beach vacation like red, peeling skin. Besides being painful, UV rays and sunburn can lead to early aging and skin cancer. Protect yourself with a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Other ways to protect yourself are covering up, wearing a hat, and protecting your eyes with sunglasses.

 

Precautions During Pregnancy: Being pregnant doesn't mean you shouldn't travel, but you should take some safety steps. The CDC recommends steering clear of any country where there's malaria. It's especially important to be smart about food and water safety because the results of a food-borne illness could be more serious. And if you're in your third trimester, make sure you will be near a medical facility that can handle premature labor and/or birth.

 

Precautions for Young Children: The best way to protect infants against food and waterborne illnesses is to breastfeed while traveling. If this isn't possible, be sure to make formula with water that has been boiled well or bottled. When babies or young children develop diarrhea, they can get dehydrated quickly and may need medical help. Children are also more likely to have problems if they become infected with malaria and other infections.

 

First Aid Kit for Travelers: You can buy a travel first aid kit or make your own. It should have disposable gloves, adhesive bandages of various sizes, gauze, antiseptic, cotton swabs, scissors, elastic bandage wraps for strains, antifungal and antibacterial creams, anti-itch cream, aloe gel, saline eye drops, and a first-aid quick reference card. You should also include any drugs you take regularly in their original containers, along with copies of your prescriptions.

 

Travel and Evacuation Insurance: Before your trip, check with your health insurance provider to find out which services are covered abroad. You may want to buy extra insurance to pay for medical expenses when you're away. Evacuation insurance is a special policy that will cover the cost of an air ambulance. This is particularly important for travelers to areas with limited medical facilities.

Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on April 15, 2014

SOURCE: 

CDC.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.