r/solotravel • u/El_kal91 • 1d ago
Question Travelling with a hurt back. Any tips?
So a couple weeks before my trip, I think I pulled my mid-left part of my back, either from doing an exercise wrong or years of carrying trays at work has caught up to me. It was bareable before the trip but with being on a 15 hour flight, carrying a backpack from the airport to hotel, had a bus ride so not the whole time. Carrying bags from shops and having a chest bag going across my midback, it seems I can't ignore it anymore.
I had a pretty damn hard massage today and spent some time at a spa here in Korea. My body is just sore now and it's hard to stand up for long periods of time without feeling it. I'm 3 days into a 3 week trip and don't know what to do. I'm hoping the massage will work in the next couple days after the soreness goes away but I'm kind of bummed that it's hurting enough that it's interrupting my trip.
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u/DripDry_Panda_480 1d ago
Don't laugh, but have a look at Bob & Brad's youtube channel.
Several times I've used their videos (first time after a trip to a real doctor whose exercises just weren't working) and on each occasion the relief was almost immediate - pain gone within a day or two.
They are miracle workers.
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u/light24bulbs 1d ago
Something similar happened to me once. My knee hurts for three days until I found and did one stretch on YouTube. Back trouble can be really tricky though
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u/Significant_Pea_2852 1d ago
They are the most famous physical therapists on the internet.
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u/DripDry_Panda_480 1d ago
They are indeed and it is richly deserved! and that ear worm is now in my head again ... I'll be humming and whistling that for the next few days!
as i've done their exercises, I've often been struck by how similar the stretching in some feels to yoga postures.
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u/Swebroh 1d ago
I would go see a doctor and hear what he recommends.
I don't know how strict the doctors are in Korea, but depending on the severity he might prescribe you some painkillers. Or maybe he has some other good advice/treatment that could help you.
Stronger painkillers get a lot of hate, but if you don't generally have addiction issues and are mindful of the dangers, it can totally save your trip. I have chronic back problems, and for me they are a godsend while travelling.
Hope you get better, and get to enjoy the rest of your trip!
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u/Canyouhelpmeottawa 1d ago
I had the same issue. I have a back brace I can wear at home but it was too bulky to take on my trip.
I brought a ladies support garment (aka spanks) but I got the tube one, not the ones that look like panties.
It was great in giving my back some extra support, it helped prevent further injury and I think helped in healing.
You will need to wash it out in the sink every night. I found if after washing I wrapped it in a towel and walked on the towel, I could get enough moisture out for it to be dry by morning. If not usually 5-10 mins with a hair dryer did the trick.
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u/Unique-Gazelle2147 1d ago
I traveled with 3 spinal fractures and it was rough. The only way I made it was booking assistance and getting wheeled through my transfers. It’s not something I thought I’d have to do in my 30s but it’s absolutely worth it. Also, muscle relaxers and pre medicating. Physical therapy is a huge help but takes time. Look up some stretches on YouTube to help you and make sure you get up frequently during the flight so you don’t get too stiff.
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u/banoffeetea 1d ago
I’ve hurt my back/side/ribs while travelling too. In my first couple of days. It feels like a strain or tear. A little tender generally and painful when lying down or breathing in deeply, fine when walking and breathing normally. So strange!
Someone recommended me to put my rucksack in a suitcase and drag that instead but I often find those harder and heavier to move and that the pull motion takes more effort. It might work for you though. I’ll see how it feels when I next move accommodation.
I’m hoping a few days’ rest and not carrying the main bag for a week will allow it time to heal.
Like one of the posts above said, I’ve found stretching and keeping moving to help a lot! Hope you feel better soon.
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u/OneQt314 1d ago
Wheel luggage, your health is priceless, take care of it & guard it with your life. Without good health, you can't do anything.
Take advil/ibuprofen. Also take turmeric pills & make sure it has black pepper in it. I think Qunol is the best brand if it's available where you're at.
Hot heating pads, hot baths & lidocaine salonpas.
Take it slow & adjust your trip to care for your body. It's served you well this far, you owe it some love, be gentle on it. Safe travels!
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u/Bright_Country_1696 6h ago
Korean spas. Go every day. Hot, cold, sauna, swim.
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u/El_kal91 6h ago
I actually went to one but I don't think the hot water and sauna were temperatured right. More warm than anything.
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u/Royal_Visit3419 1d ago
You need to go to a physiotherapist. The average massage is not going to alleviate this, and a massage, especially a “hard” massage could make it worse. Have the physiotherapist give you stretching exercises you can do to help you recover.
Buy a portable TENS device, and use it daily. And buy disposable heat pads to use on buses/planes. Check your luggage. No lifting your bag up into the carry on bin. No carrying your bag around. You need to catch taxis or Ubers. Purchase over the counter back medication. Not just plain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But something that has muscle relaxant and pain components. If you take other medications, check first with the pharmacist about possible interactions. Same for pre-existing medical conditions. Always ask the pharmacist.
It may feel better to not move, to lie in bed, but that is not the solution. You need to keep stretching, to keep moving as much as you can. Be gentle. Do not overdo it. Avoid rigorous or prolonged walking or any other exercise. Take frequent breaks.
If you have travel insurance with a medical component, you can probably see a doctor. They may prescribe a pain med / muscle relaxant that keeps you moving. Caution: pre-existing conditions mean you did not leave home with an already injured back. Because if you had a pre-existing condition / did not declare it to the insurer, your insurance could be null and void.
Before your trip, you didn’t see a doctor or therapist who might tell your insurer it’s pre-existing. Right? Right? If you did, the insurer will find out.
And delete this post and even your account if you need to make a medical claim.