Chronic pain can make traveling more challenging, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on seeing the world. In fact, at times you may not have a choice. Work or family obligations may require you to travel.
Careful planning can make those trips more enjoyable. Follow these tips for a lower-stress travel experience.
If you’re flying:
- If you can afford it, opt for business class so you have more room to stretch out. And pay extra for direct flights to avoid needing to navigate multiple airport stops.
- Buy your tickets early, so you have better seat selection and can choose the most comfortable option for you. Some people prefer an aisle seat so they can get up and stretch more easily. Others enjoy the distraction of a window seat.
- Pack as light as possible and use a roller bag so you don’t have to lift it.
- Check all but the lightest carry-on bag to avoid lugging a heavy bag through the airport. Make sure you factor in checked-bag fees when you’re comparing ticket costs.
- Always put all your medicine in your carry-on. You never know when your luggage may be lost.
- Even if you don’t normally use a wheelchair, consider arranging for one at the airport. You don’t want to exhaust yourself and cause a pain flareup trekking through the airport when your trip has barely started. Call your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to make the arrangement.
- Consider getting preapproved through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) so you don’t have to take off your shoes, jacket, laptop, etc., in security lines.
If you’re driving:
- Plan for frequent stops so you can get out and move around. If a trip will take more than five hours, you may want to break it into two days.
- If you need to rent a car, opt for one that’s spacious enough that you can stretch out a bit.
If you’re traveling by train:
- Train travel can be more comfortable than other forms of travel because you have more room to move around. But check ahead of time to make sure you can get extra help if you need it at your destination.
- Look into whether you qualify for a discount Amtrak offers for folks traveling with disabilities.
At your hotel:
- Instead of booking online, call the hotel directly so you can get more accurate information about the accommodations and how far you’ll need to travel for restaurants and other attractions.
- Ask about wheelchair accessibility if you need to use a wheelchair.
- Try to arrange a room near the elevator if you’ll struggle carrying your luggage down long hallways.
- If heat helps with your pain, look for a place with a spa or sauna.
General tips:
- If possible, schedule an extra day at the beginning of your trip and at the end to rest. That means arriving at your destination a full day early to give yourself downtime before you need to start work or sightseeing. Then give yourself a day off after you return home to recover.
- Pack as light as possible so you have less weight to lug around.
- But do remember all your medications and take along the items you need to stay comfortable, whether that’s a neck pillow, special teas, heating pads, ice packs, or other comfort items.
- Pack healthy snacks and a large reusable water bottle. You’ll feel better if you don’t let yourself get too hungry or too thirsty and if you don’t fill up on junk food and drinks.
- Rent a scooter if that will help you get more done with less energy and pain. They’re available for rent in many major cities.
If you need help getting relief from chronic pain, please contact us.
Tulsa Pain is a pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 918-742-7030 or Request An Appointment to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
