Exercises to Prepare Your Lower Back for Flying
Lower back pain is variable and different pathologies can affect different people. Often there are multiple contributing factors to why someone experiences pain. Upon assessment which includes range of motion (not just of your back but other areas such as your hips), measuring muscle strength and special testing we can identity the root of your problem.
It is important to see a clinician about your experience and pain so you can get specific advice on managing lower back pain with your lifestyle, in the work and family setting and any clinical exercise.
Here are some general exercises you can do to prepare your lower back for a flight. There are plenty of simple bodyweight movements that will provide enough stimulus to reduce stiffness and keep muscles activated.
These can be done at the airport, in your hotel room, and even on the plane (if the space allows it).
- Bridging
- Birddogs
- Modified planks
- Hip hinges
- Lumbar McKenzie extension (Cobra stretch)
- Walking – this one is often neglected! Limit the amount of time you will be sedentary (sitting) by staying active and walking around the airport after you have checked in and before embarking on the plane!
Check out our exercise sheets under the knowledge bank on the MD Health website on how to perform some of these exercises safely!
If you do experience or are prone to having lower back pain when flying, have a read of my previous article How to Prepare Your Lower Back for Flying for tips before you travel.
Please keep in mind that these exercises and stretches are very general and may not be suited to everyone. Work with what is comfortable however we highly encourage you see a health care professional to get clinical exercises tailored to you and specific to your lower back pain.
Do you have any questions?
- Call us on (03) 9857 0644 or (07) 3505 1494 (Paddington)
- Email us at admin@mdhealth.com.au
- Check out our other blog posts here
Our clinical staff would be happy to have chat if you have any questions.
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