Travel Tips For When You Have Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain isn't easy, and the idea of travelling with chronic pain can be a challenge at the very least. 

However, just because you have chronic pain does not mean you have to give up travelling entirely. Even with chronic pain, you can make your journeys significantly more comfortable and enjoyable with proper planning and precautions.

To help, we'll list several helpful tips to keep in mind while travelling with chronic pain, so you can better manage your condition and get through your travels with minimal discomfort.

Preparing For The Trip

Get In Touch With Your Physical Therapist Or Osteopath

If you're seeking professional help for your chronic pain (whether with a physical therapist or at an osteopathy treatment near you), communicate your travel plans with them and ask for their advice on travelling with chronic pain conditions.

By discussing your travel plans with the professionals, they can assist you in developing a care plan that will help manage your pain on the go and provide further assistance, such as remedial massages that can help with the pain.

What You Need To Pack

In addition to the standard luggage you'll be packing for your trip, be sure you have everything you need for pain management. Save yourself the stress and begin packing for your trip early to ensure you have everything you need to help manage your condition.

To begin, remember to fill your prescriptions and bring enough with you for the length of your trip. Keep your medications in a carry-on bag that is easily accessible, and try to avoid placing your prescriptions in your main luggage as it may not always be within reach.

You can also bring other items to help manage your pain, such as heating/cooling pads for external relief or travel pillows and blankets for additional comfort during your flight or road trip.

We also advise bringing or wearing comfortable shoes if you intend to do a lot of walking and sightseeing to reduce soreness, especially if your chronic pain is connected to your leg movements.

Travel Tips For Flights

The sooner you book your flight, the better your chances of getting a good seat that will offer much more comfort. If you can afford it, a business or first-class seat is preferred for the extra space (and more comfortable seats).

If possible, get an aisle seat so you can move around freely without bothering other passengers; walking up and down the plane and stretching can help tremendously with preventing stiffness and cramping that can affect your condition.

Airports can be large, so there's no harm in using a wheelchair or taking a break when moving from one location to another. Make sure to check in your flight luggage early as well, so you don't waste time carrying an unwieldy suitcase around!

Travel Tips For The Road

When renting a car or deciding which one to bring from your travel group, make sure it has enough leg room to move your legs and space to fit any additional pillows to help support you.

If you're willing and able, you should take a turn driving the car, as the driver position provides better back support and allows you to focus on a single task, which can help take your mind off the pain.

Furthermore, sitting for extended periods can aggravate chronic pains, particularly in the back and neck. Use the rest stops along your route to stretch your legs or perform some exercise from your home-care programme to help with circulation and prevent any cramps or stiffness from developing.

Additional Travel Tips

Here are a few more general tips that can assist you when travelling with chronic pain:

• * Always keep your medical information on hand (digitally or on paper). Keep a list of your medications and your doctor's name and phone number.

• * Plan an extra day or two for rest, especially if you're travelling a long distance.

• * Double-check that you have your pain management essentials the day before you start your journey.

• * Pack light if possible to avoid putting extra strain on your body.

• * Stay in a hotel with good-quality mattresses to ensure full body support and a good night's sleep.

• * Consider purchasing travel insurance if you need to delay or cancel a trip due to your current condition.

Minimise Your Discomfort While Travelling

Travelling with chronic pain can be difficult, but with the proper preparations and planning, you

should be able to see more of the world with less pain and more enjoyment. 

We hope this article has served as a good starting point on how best to manage your chronic pain while travelling, and for further advice and information, get in touch with your local sports and remedial massage clinic to speak with an expert.

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