Got travel woes?

Yesterday I discussed how massage can help reduce fluid retention caused by flying and consuming salty airline food.

Other areas of discomfort are aches and pains in the neck and lower back.
Next time you fly try using a pillow, a rolled up towel or blanket to support your lower back and waist. This helps to maintain the forward lumbar spine curve and lowers the pressure on the disks.
When you read on your flight hold your book at eye level. Looking down to read puts a lot of strain on your neck muscles and causes them to ache. If yours is a long flight, avoid reading continuously -- take 10-minute breaks every so often.

Carrying a heavy shoulder bag makes you lift your shoulder to hold the bag in place. That causes muscles that run from your shoulder up the side of the neck to cramp. Opt for a backpack -- it distributes the weight of your luggage more evenly. Rotate your neck and shoulders often.

Also consider scheduling a massage as soon as you are back home from your trip. Massage can help reduce the tightness in your muscles and also to maintain a good range of motion.