When you have chronic pain, it can be difficult to plan and prepare for trips abroad. Of course, you don’t want to miss out on the fun because of your pain. But, at the same time, you don’t want to let your pain prevent you from going on exciting adventures or making memories with friends and family. Here are some tips to help you manage chronic pain while travelling. They will make your journey more comfortable and thus more enjoyable.
Get in the habit of exercising and stretching every day.
Exercise or even stretching regularly can be a powerful way to manage pain and improve your overall health. They can help people with pre-existing conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia by easing muscle tension, increasing flexibility, and even reducing aggravating injury. If you have chronic pain, it can be particularly important to get involved with regular exercise or stretching. It has the potential to boost your energy levels and improve your mood, which is especially useful for travelling.
Check in with your doctor
Prior to your trip, it’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor for travel vaccinations and to make sure you’re fit to fly, especially if you have had surgeries in the past 6 months. It’s also a good time to let your doctor know if you have a specific concern, such as a recent injury or a new symptom—it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Consider getting a suitable travel insurance that covers your pre-existing condition
When you travel away from home, you’re taking a lot of risks. You can’t control everything that will happen to you, and mishaps can happen, especially if you have some type of medical issue. People with chronic pain should consider getting travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions to protect themselves from unexpected medical costs and emergencies. Having some type of medical coverage can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
It is also important to make sure that you are getting the best coverage for your specific condition. To do this, it is important to read the insurance policy documents very carefully and ensure that they cover all your requirements.
Carry pain-relief medications with you at all times
It can be especially helpful to travel with your medications on hand if you suffer from chronic pain. This way, you’ll always be prepared if you experience discomfort or pain while travelling to the airport or during a road trip. It’s also a good idea to pack extra medications in your hand luggage to ensure you have enough for your trip. Also, bring copies of all written prescriptions in case your medications are lost during transit or travel, so you can purchase them at your destination if needed.
Ask for assistance when you need help
When travelling with chronic pain, it’s important to plan ahead and ask for assistance when you need it. Although it might seem intimidating, staff members at transportation hubs are there to assist travellers should they need it. When travelling, it is important to research the locations you are visiting in order to know what accessible services are available. This can include requesting wheelchair access, help carrying luggage, or special accommodations such as a quiet room for resting.
It is also important to let the staff know about your medical condition and any special needs you may have. For example, at hotels, you can let the front desk know of your condition and any specific needs, such as a ground-floor room or a room near the elevator. Be sure to also bring any necessary medical documents, such as a doctor’s note, with you while travelling. In case of any communication difficulties, it can be useful to carry a card or note with information about your condition and any special requirements.
Eat well and stay hydrated
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins can help reduce inflammation and manage pain in travellers with medical conditions. It can also help you maintain energy levels and reduce fatigue, especially if you have a long journey ahead of you. Drinking enough water also helps keep the body hydrated and functioning optimally. If you are travelling to hot destinations, it’s advisable to reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake, as these can dehydrate the body and worsen chronic pain symptoms.
Travelling with chronic pain can be difficult. However, you can make travelling easier by making a few preparations and changes to your routine.
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