Tried and True Tips to Fight Travel Pain

The changes in the weather remind me of just how many injuries I've lived through. It's true, for many when the weather changes it seems those old football injuries and aching joints flare up. We often laugh and say it's a sign of our age or "It's going to rain. I can feel it in my bones." Of course, we've learned to live with the pain. What else can you do? The Thermacare Travel Pain Survey set out to answer this question, and offer a some good advice to help travelers relieve their pain.

Take The Pain Out Of Traveling

What are the biggest problems impacting frequent travelers on the road, rail or in flight? This is one of the questions asked by the Thermacare Travel Pain Survey. The survey consisted of a representative sample of American frequent travelers, defined as men and women, aged 21 and over who have traveled at least 100 miles away from home at least twice in the past six months.

How Bad is Really Bad?

According to the Thermacare Travel Pain Survey frequent travelers would rather work a Saturday (47%), spend a weekend with in-laws (28%) or serve on jury duty (24%) than travel long distance with sore joints and muscles. What are the most common targets for travel-related pain: * The back (49%), and the hips/knees (24%).

I've found that after traveling in the car for a long period of time all I want to do is lie flat when we arrive at our destination. According to the survey, Fifty-eight percent of frequent travelers said they have also felt less productive after traveling due to pain and discomfort.

Suggestions For Pain-Relief When Traveling

The big question is what can we do to find relief? When we travel it is frustrating when I need to take out precious time from my vacation to get rid of my pain. Like many frequent travelers I've tried everything from stretching (79%) to wearing comfortable clothes (76%), and rarely ever leave home without my own pillow (46%), which helps to relieve stiffness and soreness while traveling. A soothing soak in a hot tub works nicely, and using heating pads, or heat wraps (27%), such as Thermacare, also help deal with travel pain.

Here Are A Few Expert Tips for Pain-Free Travel:

KEEP ON MOVING!

Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can cramp muscles and make joints sore. Whether taking a trip to the restroom or taking a stroll along the aisles of the plane, keeping your joints and muscles in motion every 1-2 hours will reduce the likelihood of cramping and soreness once you once arrive. When on the road, take advantage of frequent snack and bathroom breaks at rest stops to stretch the muscles of your legs and back.

HANG LOOSE!

Airline seats and car seats are cramped enough, so you don't need stiff jeans or tight constricting shirts to make it worse! When possible, wear comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics (100% cotton is the best) when taking long trips. If you have a meeting or work event to attend immediately after arrival, it may be worth the extra comfort to hop into a restroom for a quick wardrobe change after you reach your destination.

QUENCH YOUR THIRST!

Almost 60% of frequent travelers recommend drinking water to relieve stiffness or soreness while traveling. Stuffy, dry and re-circulated air on planes can leave your body dehydrated and make you prone to headaches and muscle aches. Keep a bottle of water or juice handy and drink frequently.

GET YOUR ZZZ'S!

Most frequent travelers (57%) complain that pain and discomfort prevents them for sleeping while traveling. Their advice? Bring your own pillow! There's no quicker way to a stiff neck than sleeping upright without neck support or worse, with those flat, foamy airline pillows. Carry-on travel neck pillows can provide much-needed neck support on cramped flights. On the road, drivers should try a lumbar (lower back) support pillow to avoid back strain, while passengers can re-create their own bedroom experience by bringing along their standard-sized pillow from home.

KEEP TO A TWO DRINK MINIMUM!

Complimentary alcoholic beverages may be tempting, especially for long flights, but too much alcohol can leave you with headaches and dehydration. That's why the frequent travelers we surveyed report limiting alcohol consumption as one of the ways to help relieve travel-related aches and pains.

TURN UP THE HEAT!

Frequent travelers rated heat wraps as one of their favorite ways to cope with travel pain. Before you settle in for the long flight or car ride, put on a portable, air-activated heat wrap like Thermacare on your pain-prone regions. The wraps stay warm for up to eight hours for soothing pain relief. ThermaCare comes in different sizes for the neck, arms, back and knees – so you can find the wrap that works best for your pain.

I've learned over time that as the Study suggest, heat does increases blood flow, which helps to decrease stiffness, relax sore muscles and provide soothing comfort. The Thermacare Travel Pain Survey was conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of Procter & Gamble in hopes of bringing attention to the discomfort travelers face.

I hope these tips will help you find some relief on your next trip. Have a Safe Journey!

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