Holiday Travel Pain Survival Guide: Stay Comfortable on Flights and Long Drives
The holiday season is here, and with it comes travel — planes, trains, and long car rides. While the excitement of visiting family and friends is wonderful, travel can take a toll on your body. Neck stiffness, lower back pain, sore hips, and tension headaches are common issues that strike travelers every year.
At Metro Wellness Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Acupuncture, PLLC, we help busy New Yorkers stay pain-free during the holidays. As a female owned and operated practice located in Midtown Manhattan near Rockefeller Center, we specialize in multidisciplinary care that addresses pain before, during, and after travel.
Why Travel Can Trigger Pain
Holiday travel often involves:
Prolonged sitting in cramped airplane or car seats
Carrying heavy luggage or awkward bags
Sudden movements when lifting, bending, or reaching
Stress and tension from tight schedules or crowded airports
These factors can exacerbate pre-existing issues such as sciatica, neck pain, posture-related tension, and shoulder stiffness.
Tips to Stay Comfortable During Travel
1. Support Your Spine
Use a small neck pillow on flights or long drives
Sit back fully in your seat with lumbar support
Avoid slouching or leaning forward for extended periods
2. Move Often
Stand and stretch every hour during long car rides
Walk the aisles and stretch legs on flights whenever possible
Gentle spinal twists, ankle circles, and shoulder rolls help circulation
3. Use Ice or Heat When Needed
Apply a heating pad for stiff muscles
Use cold therapy for inflamed joints after long travel
4. Pack Light and Smart
Distribute weight evenly in luggage
Use rolling bags when possible to reduce strain
Keep essential items easily accessible to avoid twisting or reaching awkwardly
5. Mind Your Posture
Keep shoulders relaxed
Avoid craning the neck to look at screens
Maintain core engagement while sitting
How Metro Wellness Can Help Before and After Travel
Chiropractic Care
Realigns joints and improves spinal mobility
Reduces stiffness from prolonged sitting
Physical Therapy
Strengthens muscles and stabilizes joints
Provides travel-specific exercises to prevent pain
Acupuncture
Reduces tension and inflammation
Promotes relaxation and stress relief
With our integrated, multidisciplinary approach, you get coordinated care designed to keep you moving comfortably throughout the holidays.
Proudly Female Owned and Operated in Midtown Manhattan
As a female owned and operated practice, we focus on personalized care and a supportive environment. Our team ensures you leave feeling informed, supported, and ready for travel — no matter how long your journey.
Travel Pain-Free This Holiday Season
Don’t let travel ruin your holidays. Book a visit at Metro Wellness to prepare your body before your trip or recover after your journey.
📞 Call: 212-202-0065
📱 Text: 917-382-0980
📧 Email: info@metrowellnessnyc.com
📍 64 West 48th Street, Suite 608, New York, NY 10036
Schedule your appointment today and enjoy a pain-free holiday season!
