Carlos Cobiella is a highly skilled London-based Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon . He practices from his Marylebone Clinic , just off Harley Street and has a special interest in upper limb and sports injuries . He has treated many well-known A-list Oscar winning actors and directors and some of the world ’ s top professional sportsmen and athletes .
HOW TO PREVENT BACK , NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN WHEN TRAVELLING
Summer is almost here and it ’ s time to pack-up and ship out hopefully to a more exotic location for a few weeks of deserved rest and relaxation . The out-of-office is on , and of course a break from work is always necessary for overall health , however , if you are jetting off on a long haul flight this summer , no matter how comfortable your flight may be , the limited movement allowed in an aeroplane , plus the low cabin pressure can often cause stiff painful joints which can hamper the beginning of your holiday .
However by making small adjustments you can avoid injury and pain whilst flying or travelling long distances in a car . Here are my tips on how to travel without letting the effects of poor posture ruin the start of your holiday .
One major risk that comes with sitting for prolonged periods of time — whether it ’ s in a car or on a plane — is stiffness in joints and muscles . Sitting in the same position can cause swelling and even the risk of potential blood clots ( deep vein thrombosis ). Joint stiffness can also be an issue due to the joints not being stretched and the reduced motion and movement of the body .
You may not be able to avoid that long flight or hours in the car , but you can make some adjustments to the way you ’ re sitting — and have some exercises on hand that will help reduce the impact on your body .
Neck pain , shoulder pain , and even back pain are made worse by long hours in the car , or on a flight , due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period . Keeping your muscles in a shortened or lengthened position for too long will cause them to tighten up and become sore . If you are on a long flight it ’ s important to take breaks and get up to stretch to get the blood flowing to your muscles again . Ensure that you get up a few times on your flight and disrupt the pattern of sitting for too long .
When sitting make sure your back is aligned against the seat , and your head is on the headrest to keep your spine in alignment , and keep your shoulders neutral and avoid slouching or hunching forward .
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 57 2023