A member asked:

How can you prevent back pain on an airplane?

7 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Vikram Patel answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Back pain and flight: Prolonged sitting leads to increased pressure within the disc (even more so if someone is sloucing - which is what happens in an airplane seat). Someone with a partially damaged disc can have increased back pain. Another reason is muscle stiffness which can happen in any position if it is prolonged, in a back pain patient these muscles are usually painful to start with and can become more painful.

Answered 5/7/2016

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Lumbar support: One of the best ways to prevent back pain on an airplane is to obtain a lumbar support to place behind your lower back. This will shift your pelvis forward therefor reducing pressure on the discs and muscles of the lumbar spine.

Answered 3/4/2014

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Dr. Ron Jones answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Don't Fly: Just kidding. Get up and move around when you are allowed. Take a firm pillow and place behind your back. A small buckwheat husk pillow is excellent.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Mark Weston answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Walk around hourly: Get up and walk around once an hour put your feet on something to raise your knees dont use the overhead compartment.

Answered 1/23/2012

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