Traveling is not what it used to be! So I realized I had to change my bad habits to better protect my aching back.

This became quite clear. On my first recent trip, I did everything wrong. I aggravated my back and created unnecessary back pain.

Then I got smart and figured what to do so I didn't arrive in agony with an aching back. It made so much difference I'm going to share them with you.

Airline Is Not Easy On Your Body

Flying causes us to use our bodies in ways that are not normal for us in our every day life. When traveling, we are twisting, turning, and lifting heavy suitcases in ways that are abnormal. We are bending over to take our luggage off the baggage claim tram. We are putting our carry on luggage in the over head bin. This is like weight lifting! It is certainly not what we do in our daily life.

Then, let's not forget the uncomfortable seat on the airplane with the cramped space the airlines leave you today.

So here are the 10 tips that I want to share with you to keep your back from aching, too.

Airline Travel Tips

1)Pack light - Think about the clothes you will pack. Choose the lighter ones. Coordinate outfits so you need fewer clothes.

2)Order a wheel chair - Don't be proud! Believe me, you can save yourself a lot of pain if you let someone else 'taxi' you to the gate. This is really important with short connecting flights. But frankly, you get special treatment when you are going through airport security. I've found that wheel chairs have priority for security checks.

3)Preboard - You will have help with every aspect of your getting seated. The Flight Attendant will help you to get settled, and you won't be rushed. He or she should offer to put your luggage in the luggage rack. By the way, if you are in a wheel, you will be preboarded.

4)Don't lift your carry on luggage into the luggage rack - Let the flight attendant help you. Or ask a gentleman near you to put it up and take it down for you. If there is no one around to help you, pick up the luggage in stages. First, put it on the seat. Then move it up on the arm of the seat. Then to the back of the seat. Then into the luggage rack.

5)Don't twist while moving any luggage - Twisting is disastrous for your lower back, especially when you are moving something heavy. Instead move your feet in little steps to get into the right position.

6)Reserve an aisle seat - There are many benefits to this. You have more space. You can get up easier and don't have to twist and contort your body as much. You can also move about the cabin easier to move your body so it is better oxygenated to reduce the pain you might have otherwise.

7)Use a seat support - If you have your own, this is the best. Otherwise, make sure you have an extra blanket and/or pillow for back support. Recline your seat as often as possible. You take pressure off your back by doing this. Also, keep your knees at a right angle to support your back. Use a pillow, your carry on luggage, or an inflatable device to put under your feet to get the right angle.

8)Take your pain relief meds - I always use a topical pain relief product. I put it on my lower back and anything else that is hurting before I leave for the airport. This helps the back pain from flaring up as much.

Also, I use my 1 Minute Pain Relief immediately after I get off the plane. I see no need in letting pain get the better of me by pretending it won't rear it's ugly head.

9)Drink lots of water - This will help keep your body oxygenated and help flush out toxins in your body that add to and agitate pain. Don't hesitate to ask for water if the flight attendants don't offer you what you desire.

10)Walk up and down the aisles - You will avoid becoming as stiff by moving about the airplane and stretching. Do be careful. Stable yourself by touching the back of the seats. You do not want to fall. Try to move about the cabin every 30 minutes.

I hope these tips have helped you. Please share anything you've discover so we can help our fellow pain victims.

The Best of Health