Chiropractic Tips for Travellers

Travel can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful. And we’re not only talking about those flight delays and lost luggage…. From the moment you arrive at the airport, your body begins to take a beating – from heaving your luggage out of the car, to waiting in line.

Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t arrive at your destination in pain and completely worn out:

1. Stretching your back while waiting in line to check in or at security: Place your feet about a shoulder-width apart, raise your arms above your head and clasp your hands together. Lean to one side and hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side of your body.
2. A hip flexor stretch before heading through the terminal towards your boarding gate: Place your hand on your hips. Step forward with your right foot and lower your right knee to a 90 degree angle. With your left leg extended straight back behind you, you should feel a stretch in the left hip. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
3. If you are on a long-haul flight, try and stand up and move around every hour, if possible.
4. A neck stretch after your nap on the plane: Neck pillows can help to reduce the amount of tilt your neck undergoes while you sleep, but you may still feel sore when you wake up.

Switching sides and positions can help distribute the tension, as well as performing this gentle neck stretch when you wake up:

Sit up straight in your seat and slowly tilt your head to the right side as close to your shoulder as possible. Take some slow, deep breaths while you hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch to the left side. Be sure to keep your shoulders relaxed throughout the stretch.

1. You’ve landed and are waiting at the luggage carousel or you have a long layover. Time for a lower back stretch. Find a seat, place both feet flat on the floor. Place your right ankle on your left knee. While keeping your back straight, lean forward and hold for about 20-30 seconds. Switch sides.