The holiday season is special for many reasons. You get to reconnect with family you don’t see often, catch up with old friends in your hometown, or explore new places. However, for those living with chronic pain, traveling can be a challenge. Whether you’re flying across the country or driving down the road, it’s important to plan ahead so you can stay comfortable and healthy during your trip. Here are some helpful tips from your friends at Dallas Pain Institute, who specialize in pain treatments in North Dallas, TX with locations in Rowlett, Sherman, Grenville & Forney, TX to make your holiday travels easier!
#1. Visit a Pain Management Specialist
As the holiday season draws near, making sure your pain is well managed before travel is essential to an enjoyable holiday journey. At Dallas Pain Institute, our team of highly-skilled board-certified pain management doctors in Rowlett, Sherman, Greenville & Forney, TX are committed to providing personalized care that keeps you mobile and pain-free during this special occasion. Whether it be chronic backache, joint issues or nerve discomfort; visiting us prior to leaving can ensure you receive expert treatment that effectively manages these symptoms so you can concentrate on enjoying time spent with loved ones rather than worrying about pain management.
#2. Making a Plan
When traveling with chronic pain, planning is definitely one of the most important pieces. Consider choosing your destination based on accessibility and comfort. If you decide to fly, we recommend looking for direct flights to shorten your travel time and avoid layovers that could lead to added discomfort. If you’re driving, make time for breaks to stretch and move around.
#3. Pack Smart
Packing smart sounds pretty straightforward, but there may be some things you haven’t considered when it comes to what to bring with you on your trip:
- Comfortable Clothing: Who doesn’t want to be comfortable when they travel? Loose-fitting clothing is best for allowing movement. Consider layering, since temperatures can vary between locations.
- Pain Relief: Bring any medications, treatments, or heat/cold packs you typically use for pain relief. Having these items on hand can help you manage discomfort while away from home- and you can avoid having to take the time to go to a store to buy them!
- Travel Pillows: A supportive travel pillow can make flights or long car rides comfier and
#4. Fuel Up on Water & Food
Traveling can interrupt your normal routine, but it’s still important to watch what you are eating and drinking while trying to manage your pain. Drink plenty of water before and during your trip- dehydration can make pain worse. Pack healthy snacks to keep your energy up and avoid the temptation of unhealthy airport or rest-stop food- trust us we know that one is hard to do!
#5. Communication
Feel free to share your needs while traveling. If you need help at the airport, extra time to board, or want to tell your family you need a break, just speak up. Open communication can help make your trip more comfortable.
#6. Know When to Rest
And last but not least, remember to prioritize rest. Pushing yourself too hard during holiday travels can lead to flare-ups and more pain. Make sure to include downtime in your plans and pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you need a break, take one. Find a comfortable place to relax and recharge. You know your body best.
Pain Management North Dallas TX
Traveling with chronic pain during the holidays doesn’t have to be something you dread doing every year. A little planning can go a long way, and you can enjoy your trips with ease. It’s okay to change your plans to prioritize your well-being. The holidays are all about making memories, and by putting your comfort first, you can create lasting moments with your loved ones.
If you find it challenging to manage chronic pain while traveling, consider reaching out to our pain management specialists at the Dallas Pain Institute. We’re here to help!
Rowlett, TX: 7700 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 100B, Rowlett, TX 75088. (469) 653-0222
Sherman, TX: 1001 E Sara Swamy Dr., Suite 220, Sherman, TX 75090. (903) 892-1999
Greenville, TX: 4400 IH 30, Suite 300, Greenville, TX 75402. (469) 653-0222
Forney, TX: 763 E US Hwy 80, Ste 240, Forney, TX 75126. (469) 653-0222