Travel nurses already know that planes are ideal hot spots for catching a cold or flu bug, but there are other nagging health problems travelers can experience while flying, especially neck and back pain.
Flying at high altitudes simply drains you – there's no question about it. The busy schedule you have a travel nurse, a lack of legroom (or any room at all, really), uncomfortable seating and general stress can also contribute to neck and back pain.
What causes neck and back pain during flights?
There are several factors at play when it comes to muscle tension while flying, and it's not only the fact that you are sitting uncomfortably. Here are some other issues that directly contribute to that unmistakable nagging irritation:
Heavy luggage during travel: We all know that we are supposed to travel light, but if you are saddled with multiple assignments, you might have no choice but to bring along your extra large suitcase. If this is the case, be sure to distribute weight evenly on both sides of your body. Carrying too much weight on one side can put a lot of added pressure on your neck, back and shoulders.
Additionally, when lifting heavy luggage from baggage claim or into overhead bins, be sure to bend with your knees. Lifting in stages can also help, according to the Boston Spine Group. For instance, lift the suitcase to the top of the airline seat, then to the compartment, as to not strain any muscles in your neck and back.
Tension and stress: Having anxious thoughts or feeling overwhelmed doesn't just weigh down your mind, it can also have adverse effects on the body and tire you out significantly. If you tend to have trouble sleeping on planes, it can only make these issues worse.
To ease these problems, make sure that you are flying at a time when you feel most comfortable, whether it's early in the morning or late at night. It's also a good idea to avoid caffeine during your flight, as this can make you even more jittery. Eat a light meal before your departure, create a soothing playlist and invest in a neck pillow to ensure that you have the best environment possible for dozing off.
Cabin pressure: Cabin pressure and recycled air within the plane can leave you feeling a bit confined. This is why a lot of seasoned travelers wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes so that they don't feel as restricted.
Muscles can also tense up due to the pressure, so opt for an aisle seat so that you can get up, walk up and down the aisle and stretch when it is safe to do so. Be sure to focus on stretches that specifically target the neck and back, such as shoulder rolls and hamstring stretches. If you have circulation issues, you might want to consider wearing compression stocking to encourage blood flow.
Dehydration: According to the Boston Spine Group, most people feel comfortable in environments where the humidity levels hover between 40 to 70 percent. Unfortunately, in airplane cabins, the amount of moisture in the air plummets to about 20 percent, leaving many travelers feeling dehydrated.
A lack of water doesn't just leave you with a dry mouth, it can also create headaches and backaches. That's why you should always carry around a bottle of water with you during flights. It's also wise to avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee or tea during travel, as these drinks have diuretic effects.
Just because you're a travel nurse doesn't mean you have to suffer through neck and back pain. Try out some of these tips during your next assignment so that you can relax and enjoy your flight.