There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination with back or neck pain, before you have even begun your holiday! Here are some tips, based on the ‘use your left hand and turn to the right’ protocol, that can help you arrive ready to hit the ground running :
– Push or pull your suitcase with your left hand but pick up or carry it with your right hand.
– If using a backpack, tighten the straps so that it sits well up against your back. The heavier the pack and the looser the straps, the more strain that will be created in the neck, as the head cranes forward to maintain your balance. If present, ensure that the chest and waist straps are done up or purchase separately if necessary.
– If wearing a long strap handbag, place it over your head so that the strap is on the left shoulder and the bag sits on your right hip. This will encourage you to turn to the right and reach into the bag with your left hand.
-Ensure that you move your hips well back into the seat and if necessary, roll up a scarf or jumper to place across the hollow of your low back for support. If your feet do not reach the ground, you could place them on your hand luggage. Conversely, if your knees sit higher than your hips, placing a folded towel or cushion on the seat will help to minimise hip tightness and slouching.
– If you are travelling with a companion, try to have them seated to your right and be aware, that even frequent turning of your head to the left, to look out of the window for example, can irritate low back pain.
– See video 4 on the website banishingbackpain.com.au, for simple and gentle exercises that can be done in the sitting position.
– Try to get up and walk around every 1.5 – 2 hours, to help minimise stiffness generally.

For more detailed information, go to Ch12: Travel Tips in my book ‘Banishing Back Pain: Relief is Within Reach’.

Safe travels everyone and enjoy your holiday!