Travelling with a Back Injury

Similar to many individuals globally, I experience chronic lower back pain. It began in 2020, and while treatment has assisted in managing the pain, I've come to terms with the fact that I won't ever be completely free of the injury. However, this shouldn't hinder my enthusiasm for travel and exploring new experiences, though planning is essential. Here are some tips for traveling with injuries or illnesses.

INSURANCE

First, it's crucial to disclose any injuries or illnesses on your travel insurance. This step is extremely important. Although it may raise your premiums, it's essential for your insurer to know about any pre-existing conditions. Don't risk being uncovered when you need it most. In my case, it added about $200 to the standard policy, which didn't cover pre-existing conditions. However, this amount can vary based on your personal situation, medical conditions, and the insurer you select.

FLIGHT COMFORT

If long periods of sitting during flights worsen your back pain, inquire with the airline staff at check-in about the possibility of being seated near an emergency exit or, at the very least, an aisle seat. This will allow you to stand and stretch as needed. Aim to stand and stretch every 30 to 60 minutes. Additionally, I suggest wearing compression socks to enhance circulation and staying well-hydrated.

During a recent trip to China, on the 10-hour flight from Shanghai to Sydney, the airline staff were pleased to assist with changing to an emergency exit seat, which offered more legroom. This also allowed me to stand comfortably with extra space. While this isn't always possible, you can often reserve these seats online, though they might come at an additional cost. Regardless, it’s worth inquiring at check-in.

UNDERSTAND YOUR LIMITATIONS

Know your capabilities before you set out. Consider how far you can usually walk and how long you can stand. It's crucial not to exceed your limits and risk affecting the rest of your journey. For instance, during a recent visit to the Great Wall of China, there were some very steep stairs, and quite a few of them. Attempting to reach the top would have left me in severe pain, impacting the remainder of my trip. Instead, I opted to walk a short distance without stairs and enjoyed the view from a lower height. You can still admire and be amazed by the places you visit without reaching the summit.

Covering long distances on foot can be uncomfortable. I utilized Google Maps to gain a clearer sense of distances before reaching a destination. For instance, when visiting places like Venice or Pompeii, where vehicles and transport are absent and walking often involves uneven terrain, Google Maps can help you gauge the distance using its scale, such as 500m, 1000m, or 2000m. This information can assist in planning rest breaks or finding alternative routes if necessary.

Schedule days for rest and recovery. While the desire to explore as much as possible is strong, it's crucial to spend a day by the pool or unwind in your hotel room with room service.

It's very easy to become overly enthusiastic about your adventure and overextend yourself. During a trip to Fiji last year, I felt fantastic, having recently received spinal injections for pain relief. I assumed that ziplining would be low-impact since the zipline, not my back, supports the weight. Unfortunately, I discovered the hard way that this wasn't the case and experienced pain for several days afterwards, requiring rest and medication. Similarly, I enjoyed the fun of a Bali water park with my family on a trip and again needed days of rest and pain relief afterwards. Fortunately, this was towards the end of our holiday. The fact that I can do some things doesn't mean that I should do it.

It has been challenging both physically and emotionally, and I've frequently attempted to conceal my pain to ensure the family can enjoy the holiday experiences.

These experiences have shown me the importance of acknowledging my limitations, regardless of how great I might feel in the moment, as the consequences can be overwhelming. Therefore, be aware of your boundaries and enjoy your holiday in comfort, not discomfort.

MEDICATIONS

Always disclose your medications and carry them with the original prescriptions and a letter from your doctor outlining your medical conditions. Bring only the amount you'll need for your trip. Some countries have strict regulations regarding which drugs can be brought in, while others are more lenient. Regardless, the last thing you want is for your medications to be confiscated, leaving you without them during your trip. Generally, you won't encounter issues as long as the medication is for personal use, in small quantities, and relates to a legitimate medical condition, as long as it's not a prohibited drug.

Experiencing an injury, illness, or other medical condition shouldn't stop you from traveling. The key is to;

• Plan ahead

• Flight comfort - Leg room, stretch, and keep hydrated

• Ensure you have adequate travel insurance

• Understand your limitations

• Don't overdo it

• Incorporate rest days in your itinerary

About the Author

The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted, has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.