Thanks to unsupportive seats you have to sit in for hours, flying is often literally a pain. You can reduce your chances of getting a sore, achy back on your next flight by bringing along an inflatable beach ball.
Physical therapist Doug Kelsey writes on the My Itchy Travel Feet blog that the adjustable beach ball is perfect for lumbar support:
Because the beach ball is filled with air, it allows you to move in your chair which in turn, moves your spine just enough to keep it from getting stiff.
- Put a very small amount of air in the ball (once you’re in flight, the pressure change will increase the pressure in the ball so you don’t need much air).
- Place the ball in the small of your back.
- Increase or decrease the amount of air to your comfort level.
- About every thirty minutes, move the ball either up or down an inch or two.
- While in flight, periodically move side to side, forward and back for about a minute—kind of a small rocking motion of your trunk on the ball.
- When you’re done with the flight, deflate the ball and store for later use.
Bonus: You’ll have something to toss around if you head to a beach or park on your vacation.
Travelers, relieve lower back pain with this simple tip | My Itchy Travel Feet
Photo by Klim Levene.
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via Lifehacker Make Air Travel More Comfortable with a Beach Ball