Tell me how to keep my back from hurting on flights

[Conndog]

Exactly the flight we're making. Non-stop... I think it's United.

Jo-burg, Kruger, Vic Falls, and a gorilla trek in Botswana, then back to Cape Town to visit some colleagues of my wife's--then back home. And it's all paid for by my eccentric grandfather in law. Can't complain.

When I go in a year or two, I’m going to include shoe water rafting on Zambesi- incredible YouTube videos about it

 

[Chin Diesel]

Fly first class on 777 and turn your seat into a bed.

Those things are old as can be now and really aren't anywhere near class leading any more. 787's and A350's have much better cabin layouts up front. Not just the bed but the entertainment and everything else.

 

[husky429]

When I go in a year or two, I’m going to include shoe water rafting on Zambesi- incredible YouTube videos about it

I think we'll probably shell out the cash to go to Devil's Pool and take a helicopter ride above the falls. There's no shot my wife would enjoy paddling, lol. She runs every day, but is not an "Exercise is fun" person in the least haha.

I've never traveled anything but pretty shoestring before... we usually stay in relatively cheap airbnbs, cook most of our food, avoid the expensive tourist trappy stuff, etc. having people pay for a trip (and making double my current salary starting next year) is weird to me.

 

[husky429]

Honestly. People suggesting over medicating plus booze. Yes, I endorse that as well. But the man flow Yoga stuff has the best chance of leaving you functional when you arrive. The flight is just day 1. So, maybe both?

I always assume day 1 of a trip will just be for walking around the neighborhood eating and forcing myself to deal with jet lag, so drinking on the plane isn't a big issue. I'm pretty cautious about mixing even OTC medications with liqour though.

 

[Samoo]

You're a Russian separatist?

If I was I'd be in Transnistria...

 

[Samoo]

Without knowing the rules at your destination may not be worth the risk

They'll never know if you bring gummies.

 

[Umami Zen]

Two more ideas but not knowing your view of these modalities.. Massage therapy prior to the flight(s) could provide substantial relief from a muscular/structural perspective.. And have heard that hypnosis can assist with chronic back pain with the right combo of patient and professional.

 

[SouthBayHusky]

Best solution – high-quality Velcro back brace. You can adjust it and will relieve the pressure/compression between the disks and Low lumbar pain. They also have a version that can be heated.

 

[husky429]

Best solution – high-quality Velcro back brace. You can adjust it and will relieve the pressure/compression between the disks and Low lumbar pain. They also have a version that can be heated.

Any recommendations? I've never used one.

This thread is turning me more and more into my father with every post.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I always assume day 1 of a trip will just be for walking around the neighborhood eating and forcing myself to deal with jet lag, so drinking on the plane isn't a big issue. I'm pretty cautious about mixing even OTC medications with liqour though.

Yeah, I don't mind drinking on planes, especially when I need to sleep. Just saying it's not an actual solution. The nice thing about some of the yoga moves is that you can just do them in the hotel room. Helps. I don't do it often enough, and when I do I always wonder why I don't do it more. Back always feels better, and hips.

 

[husky429]

Yeah, I don't mind drinking on planes, especially when I need to sleep. Just saying it's not an actual solution. The nice thing about some of the yoga moves is that you can just do them in the hotel room. Helps. I don't do it often enough, and when I do I always wonder why I don't do it more. Back always feels better, and hips.

Started 30 days of yoga yesterday!

 

[DrZzzz]

Hard to say. Take an NSAID before the flight. 800mg of ibuprofen. You have to do it before you fly. Preemptive analgesia.

 

[SouthBayHusky]

Any recommendations? I've never used one.

This thread is turning me more and more into my father with every post.

Dr. HO’s two-in-one back relief belt is the one I have. But anything similar would work well.

 

[husky99]

Tylenol PM was the only thing that made my 9 hour flight last summer bearable. I had forgotten about it. Adding that to my list.

I been to Europe a few times.. a PM and a strong vodka drink helps big time....

 

[husky429]

I been to Europe a few times.. a PM and a strong vodka drink helps big time....

I think the farthest I've flown at a time was maybe 13 hours to Bangkok, but I was also younger and relatively pain-free. That length of trip terrifies me now lol

 

[August_West]

I usually just use the tylenol PM because it puts me to sleep. I wonder if some benadryl and an aleve would do the trick?

You can buy just straight up diphenhydramine (the sleepy ingredient of Benadryl) at any drug store or Amazon. It works well.