Don't Let Holiday Stress Cause Neck Pain: 3 Ways to Find Relief
Is the holiday season a pain in your neck — literally? These three medication-free treatment options can help you address that discomfort so you can enjoy this time of year.
Traveling for the Holidays? How to Prevent Back Pain on the Go
If you live with recurring or persistent back pain, you probably have some hacks that make it easier to manage at home. You might’ve optimized your mattress and pillows for sleep, for example, or added a heating pad to your desk chair.
When you travel, leaving the comforts of home can mean leaving what soothes your back discomfort. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize the pain you feel during your travels.
Because he has expertise in pain management, Dr. Trace Alexander can help you figure out a plan to manage your discomfort. Before you pack your bags, visit Dr. Alexander and our team at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine in Plano or Addison, Texas.
To help patients manage back pain on the go, Dr. Alexander usually recommends some combination of:
Injections before you leave
Depending on the cause and symptoms of your back pain, he might recommend:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to support your body’s natural healing processes
- Trigger point injections to relieve knotted muscles
- Viscosupplementation injections with hyaluronic acid to lubricate joints in your back
With a quick injection, Dr. Alexander can help you find relief that lasts through your holiday travels.
Medications and/or topicals to take with you
If you’re not a candidate for injections or you need additional support to manage your back pain, Dr. Alexander may recommend medication.
Sometimes, he prescribes medication to address your discomfort at its source (e.g., to fight inflammation). Other times, the medication’s primary purpose is to mask your pain. That’s generally not ideal over the long term, but it can help you get through your trip.
Dr. Alexander may also recommend cannabidiol (CBD) oil to apply to your back. This plant-based medicine helps minimize inflammation and soothe chronic pain.
Simple modifications before, during, and after your trip
You can make little adjustments to minimize strain on your back and, consequently, your pain.
Regular exercise makes a difference. Try to get in at least a little walking each day of your trip, and make time to stretch and strengthen your back. You can do back-targeting exercises from your hotel bed or wherever else you land this holiday season.
You might also roll up your jacket and put it behind your lumbar spine (lower back). That helps to support your back whether you’re in the car, on a plane, or anywhere else you’re seated.
We’ve provided a general overview here, but Dr. Alexander personalizes care to each patient. To work with him to develop a plan for your back pain, call our team at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine at 972-899-9797 or book your visit online today.
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