A USA study has revealed that one of the most overlooked risks of long-haul flying isn’t jet lag or turbulence, but immobility.
Published in Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, the research paper “Posture, movement, and aircraft: An investigation into factors influencing in-flight discomfort” (paper) highlights how restricted movement during flights contributes to significant passenger discomfort and potential health impacts.
Research Reveals the Hidden Toll of Stillness
The study found that prolonged sitting in cramped airplane cabins leads to a steady build-up of discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and buttocks. Factors such as limited personal space, narrow seating, and even the social pressure of “not disturbing fellow passengers” often discourage movement.
“People think of discomfort as a minor part of flying,” the authors note, “but when immobility persists for hours, it can affect circulation, posture, and longer-term musculoskeletal health.”
Travel Agents Hear It All the Time
These findings echo what the travel industry already knows. A travel agent in Sydney explains:
“We hear this all the time from customers-long-haul flights, especially to destinations like Sydney, can be a real struggle physically. It’s not unusual for people to tell us they arrive stiff, sore, and looking for ways to recover quickly before enjoying their holiday. This kind of research backs up what we’ve known anecdotally for years.”
For many passengers, arriving in paradise already aching means the trip starts on the wrong note.
Expert Chiropractic Guidance
To help passengers protect their bodies during long-haul flights, two leading chiropractic clinics in Sydney — North Shore Family Chiropractors and Hills Spinal Chiropractors — have shared their expert advice. Together, they highlight simple but effective ways passengers can safeguard their spinal health at 35,000 feet.
✦ Tips from North Shore Family Chiropractors (Chatswood)
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Support your spine – Use a lumbar pillow or even a rolled-up jacket to maintain the natural curve in your lower back. This helps reduce spinal compression during long sitting periods.
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Stretch before and after flights – Loosening tight muscles in your hamstrings, hips, and shoulders before boarding reduces the risk of post-flight stiffness.
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Choose your seat wisely – Aisle or bulkhead seats allow more freedom of movement and make it easier to stand regularly.
“Even small changes in how you sit or prepare before a flight can make a huge difference,” say the team at North Shore Family Chiropractors. “Many of the flare-ups we see in clinic could have been avoided with simple preventative strategies.”
✦ Tips from Hills Spinal Chiropractors (Castle Hill)
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Move every hour – Aim to stand, walk the aisle, or perform in-seat stretches at least once every 60 minutes to prevent stiffness and improve circulation.
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Stay hydrated – Dry cabin air dehydrates spinal discs and muscles, making them more prone to irritation and discomfort. Regular water intake is essential.
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Engage core muscles subtly – Even while sitting, gentle abdominal engagement helps support the spine and reduce passive slouching.
According to Hills Spinal Chiropractors: “We regularly see patients who return from travel with aggravated back pain. The body isn’t designed to sit still in a confined space for 14 hours straight. Building small, proactive habits into your flight routine makes all the difference.”
Why It Matters
With international travel back in full swing, these insights are more important than ever. Immobility during flights isn’t just uncomfortable—it can have lasting impacts on spinal health, circulation, and overall well-being.
By combining the latest scientific research with practical expert guidance, passengers can take control of their comfort and arrive at their destination ready to explore, not recover.
Final Boarding Call
The next time you’re packing for Sydney, Singapore, or San Francisco, don’t forget to pack strategies for your spine. Long-haul discomfort may be common, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. With smart habits and expert advice, every passenger can land not only safely, but comfortably.
Media Contact
Company Name: Rose Bay Travel Agents Sydney
Contact Person: Matt G Smith
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://rosebaytravel.com.au/