Traveling for the Holidays? How to Avoid Back Pain Before, During & After Trips
Holiday travel — whether by car or plane — is one of the biggest triggers of back pain and sciatica. Sitting for long periods, carrying luggage, and navigating crowded airports all place extra strain on your spine.
At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, we help patients across Glen Carbon and Edwardsville, IL prepare their bodies for long trips so they can enjoy Christmas without pain.
Why Travel Worsens Back Pain
1. Prolonged Sitting Increases Disc Pressure
Sitting compresses the lumbar discs, especially the L4–L5 region.
2. Poor Seat Support
Most car and airplane seats lack proper lumbar support.
3. Lifting Luggage
Twisting while lifting is one of the most common causes of holiday flare-ups.
4. Reduced Movement
Limited mobility leads to stiffness, tightness, and nerve irritation.
How to Protect Your Spine While Traveling
1. Bring a Lumbar Support
A rolled towel works just as well as a travel pillow.
2. Move Regularly
Car: stop every 60–90 minutes
Flight: stand or walk every 45–60 minutes
3. Stretch Before and After You Travel
This reduces stiffness and combats compression.
4. Lift Suitcases With Your Legs
Keep them close to your body and avoid twisting.
When to Get Checked
Traveling for the holidays shouldn’t leave you hurting for days afterward. If your back feels tight, sore, or inflamed from long drives or flights, it’s a sign your spine needs attention.
At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, we help travelers in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville, IL feel better quickly by reducing pressure on the discs, restoring mobility, calming tight muscles, and easing sciatic irritation. Getting your spine checked before or after travel can make your entire holiday season feel better.
From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with comfort, joy, and a healthy spine.
If travel is triggering pain, click the button below to schedule an appointment now.
