The holiday season is here, and the travel rush at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is in full swing. There’s a special kind of excitement in the air—the anticipation of reuniting with loved ones in Plymouth, Canton, or Novi. But while your heart is ready for the festivities, your body might not be so thrilled about the journey. Long flights and car rides can lead to a host of aches and pains, including the dreaded “numb bum.” The good news is that you don’t have to accept discomfort as part of your travel plans. This guide will provide simple, effective tips to help you travel pain-free.

You’ve navigated security, found your gate, and settled into your seat, but the real challenge is just beginning. Travel can bring a range of familiar (and definitely unwelcome) aches and pains, such as:

• Numb bum (gluteal amnesia): Happens when your glute muscles “fall asleep” from sitting too long.
• Stiff neck: The result of awkward positioning or trying to nap with little head support.
• Tight shoulders: Often set off by hauling heavy luggage or backpacks.
• Lower back pain: Those cramped, less-than-ergonomic airplane seats don’t do your spine any favors.

These issues are common, but they aren’t something you just have to endure. Understanding how to counteract these effects can make your travel experience much more pleasant and ensure you arrive ready for the fun, not for a long nap.

Ever wondered why you feel so stiff and sore after flying? It’s not just in your head. When you sit for hours on end, you restrict blood flow and put sustained pressure on your sciatic nerve, which can lead to that familiar tingling, numbness, and pain in your backside and legs. Airplane seats often lack proper lumbar support, forcing your spine into an unnatural C-shape that strains your lower back.

Meanwhile, your core and glute muscles become inactive and “switch off,” leading to stiffness and weakness. This combination of poor posture and muscle inactivity is the perfect recipe for post-flight discomfort and can worsen issues like back pain after flying.

You can fight back against travel stiffness with a few simple strategies. Here are some easy, actionable tips to help you stay comfortable during your flight:

• Move regularly: Even small movements help. Try in-seat stretches like ankle circles, shoulder rolls, and gentle spinal twists every hour.
• Take aisle walks: When the seatbelt sign is off, get up and walk up and down the aisle to keep your blood flowing.
• Support your lower back: Use a lumbar pillow or a rolled-up jacket to support the natural curve of your lower back.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your muscles flexible and reduces stiffness.
• Mind your posture: Sit with your feet flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs for long periods. This promotes better circulation and reduces strain.

These small habits can make a world of difference in how you feel when you land.

Even with the best preparations, you might still step off the plane feeling stiff, sore, or out of alignment. If that post-travel ache doesn’t go away, it’s a sign that your body needs a reset. That’s where we can help. At REACH Rehab + Chiropractic, we specialize in addressing the root cause of your discomfort with care that’s truly customized for you.

We can help you find relief from a numb bum after a long flight and get you back to enjoying your time in Plymouth, Livonia, or Ann Arbor without being sidelined by pain.

A little preparation can make a world of difference in how you feel when you reach your destination. You don’t have to start your holiday visit with nagging pain or a stiff back. By following these tips, you can arrive feeling refreshed and ready to make memories with your family and friends. It’s time to break the pain cycle before it even starts.

Visiting family in Plymouth or the surrounding areas? If you need a chiropractor near DTW before or after your trip, don’t let travel pain slow you down. Call us at (734) 335-0212 or book an appointment online to feel your best this holiday season.