Air Travel

---

Airplane travel is notoriously uncomfortable, and the strain and discomfort that you experience indicates that it is not the best thing for your spine. While in your seat, use a pillow to support your head and neck. Use an airplane pillow or a rolled blanket to make a support for your lower back, since airplane seats don’t provide any lumbar support. This will help you to retain good sitting posture.

As much as possible, keep adequate space under the seat in front of you for your feet. If you have a carry-on bag, put it in the overhead storage bin to keep the space in front of you clear. Keep your feet in front of you at all times, try to stretch out your legs, and keep your feet and legs moving. Stand up and move around the airplane as often as possible, particularly on long flights.

Drink water rather than alcohol, coffee or tea - which are all diuretics that encourage dehydration - since flying dehydrates the body due to the very low humidity levels in the pressurized air cabin. Water will re-hydrate the body and help to prevent circulatory problems.