If you’re preparing for a long-distance flight, protecting your lower back should be a higher priority than packing your suitcase—especially if you have a history of herniated discs. Hours spent in a confined airplane seat can trigger discomfort, warranting extra care.
With overseas travel rebounding, more patients are visiting clinics with back pain following long flights. Prolonged sitting during travel can aggravate symptoms, and those with pre-existing back disorders are particularly vulnerable to pain recurrence or worsening. Tight seating, constant vibrations, and changes in cabin pressure can affect the spinal discs. At high altitudes, reduced air pressure can increase internal disc pressure, potentially triggering or worsening pain.
Posture is critical during air travel. The spine experiences more pressure when seated than when standing, so sit with your hips positioned deep in the seat and your back straight. Place a small cushion behind your lower back or use a lumbar support brace for added stability. Keep enough space under your feet to allow free leg movement.
After the flight, give your body adequate rest. Applying warm packs, receiving light massages, or taking partial baths can relax tense lower back muscles and aid recovery. To prepare for sudden flare-ups while traveling, carry anti-inflammatory analgesics or neuropathic pain medication. Because herniated disc pain often does not respond well to over-the-counter painkillers, it’s best to visit your doctor before departure for appropriate prescriptions.
Long-haul flights can have a greater impact on back health than many realize. If you have a history of herniated discs, consult your physician before traveling to assess your current condition and obtain necessary medications or braces. Maintaining correct posture and moving regularly during the flight can go a long way in preventing pain.
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
