I’m a spine surgeon, this is how to make traveling more comfortable
- Dr. Alexander Butler is an orthopedic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital
- He has described in detail how you can make your flight more comfortable
- The health professional suggested that travelers should sit in aisle seats and drink water
As people around the world prepare to travel home for the holidays, a spine surgeon shares the countless ways you can make your plane trip more comfortable.
Forget shifting every few minutes, Dr. Alexander Butler explains how to get cozy and protect your back while you’re in the air.
The US-based orthopedic surgeon, who practices at Lenox Hill Hospital, explained that you can save your back a lot of stress just by preparing for your trip.
During a conversation with the New York Post, he shared the six ways you can have a more enjoyable trip.
He first advised passengers to forgo the shoulder pain that comes with lugging a duffel bag through the airport and opt for a rolling suitcase.
“Generally speaking, it makes getting through the airport much easier,” he explained.
Dr. Alexander noted that you can then throw this bag in the overhead bin and use the space below you for your legs or a small bag.
In addition to taking a suitcase with you, the doctor recommends stretching before boarding.
As people around the world prepare to travel home for the holidays, a spine surgeon shares the countless ways you can make your plane trip more comfortable (stock image)
Sitting on a plane for long periods of time can lead to muscle cramps, which the doctor said can be relieved by stretching beforehand.
“This leads to an anterior tilt of the pelvis, which is a common cause of lower back pain,” Dr. Alexander at the outlet.
If you are experiencing back pain after traveling, the health professional recommends doing some planks, glute bridges and cossack squats.
While most people want to rest their heads against the window while traveling, the medical expert revealed that the aisle seat is actually best for your back.
‘To minimize prolonged periods in a single position, I think it is very helpful to get up, stand or walk at least once an hour during a long flight.
“An aisle seat can make this much more convenient,” explained Dr. Alexander out.
In addition to exercising often, the health guru suggested that you adjust your posture regularly.
He told the outlet, “Any active effort to pull the shoulders down and back while tucking the chin and neck into the seat itself can alleviate this.”
Forget shifting every few minutes, Dr. Alexander Butler explains how to get cozy and protect your back while in the air (stock image)
Then Dr. Alexander urged passengers to stay hydrated while on board.
According to the professional, dehydration is common on flights and sipping drinks does not help.
He added, “My favorite trick is to pack an empty water bottle and a nutritious meal with a disposable cup in my carry-on.
‘This keeps me well hydrated and fueled without having to spend extra money on what is offered before or during the flight.’
Finally, the doctor said you can rely on over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain.
“Ultimately, pain during a flight is likely due to a stiff muscle, joint, or other structure.
“The best solution for this is to restore normal movement through physical activity, stretching or corrective exercises once travel is completed,” he said.