Living with chronic pain is challenging any time of the year. It can become especially problematic during the holiday season when you need to travel. The changes in routine, variations in diet, and possible altitude changes are just some of the things that can increase your symptoms and heighten your pain. Below are some tips to help you travel this year with a minimum of discomfort.
Pack Smart
You cannot always predict a flare-up of chronic pain, but you can be prepared for it by making sure you pack the following:
- Prescription medication, painkillers, and supplements that help manage your daily symptoms.
- Taking along your pillow or bedding can help you sleep better at night. Adequate rest is essential while traveling because you will likely expend more energy than you do at home.
- It is better to travel with a comfortable and broken-in pair of shoes than to try to break in a new pair in an unfamiliar environment. It will also help to reduce fatigue on your body, particularly your knees, legs, and feet.
If You Must Fly, Try for a Direct Flight
People with chronic pain and illness can be sensitive to altitude changes. If logistics dictate that you must fly, try to keep your time on a plane to a minimum. This might involve paying extra for a direct flight or flying part of the way and renting a car to drive the rest of the way. This plan also reduces the stress of airport security checks and the general noise and busyness of thousands of people trying to get to destinations of their own.
Don’t Be Shy About Utilizing Travel Assistance
All forms of public transportation, including airplanes, buses, ships, and trains, should offer extra help for people who need their services. This could include getting a ride in a wheelchair to your airline gate, booking the room closest to the exit and without stairs on a cruise ship, or boarding a bus before others because you require more time due to your chronic pain. Be sure to check with the company you plan to travel with well in advance to request the accommodations you need.
Ship Gifts Ahead of Your Visit
If you are visiting family or friends for a holiday that includes a gift exchange, ordering them online and shipping them to the destination first saves you from having to drag them with you while traveling. You also won’t need to load and unload them into your car, through airports, or however else you plan to travel.
Is Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Right for You?
If you have lived with back or spinal pain for a long time and nothing seems to bring relief, this could be the next logical step. Please contact Capital City Neurosurgery at 614-442-0700 to learn more.