A holiday is supposed to be a time of rest and reprieve—the last thing you want is to have your trip ruined by your back pain. Flying can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but it's even worse when you suffer from pain and discomfort in your back, neck and spinal area. Thankfully, there are several ways to minimise pain during your flight. Here are 3 options to consider:

Consider a Layover

If you're like most travellers, you probably prefer to book direct, non-stop flights when you can in order to minimise your overall travel time. However, when you have back pain, it's worth considering booking a flight with a layover. You can get up and stretch your legs on a plane (and you definitely should, no matter what type of flight you book), but there are limitations. The walkways between seats are narrow, and you'll have to work around the flight attendants schedules and other passengers' needs.

With a layover, on the other hand, you can get off the plane and talk a walk around the airport. There, you'll have plenty of space to stretch and turn to relieve the pressure on your back. As an added bonus, a non-direct flight will usually be a lot cheaper.

Pack Light

Few things exacerbate back pain when you're traveling more than carting around heavy suitcases. When you have back pain, it's always best to pack light. Bulky, heavy items like towels and toiletries can usually be left at home. Unless you're holidaying in the middle of nowhere, most destinations have nearby supermarkets where you can pick up the essentials.

You should be especially strict with yourself when packing your carry-on bag. Not only do you have to pull or carry it to and from the airport, you'll also have to lift it in and out of the overhead compartment. If it's too heavy, this can be excruciating for your back. Usually, all you need is a phone, wallet, guidebook, medicines and a few other essentials. Any heavy, unnecessary items can go into your hold luggage.

See a Chiropractor

One of the best ways to reduce back pain on your flight is to work on relieving the discomfort before your holiday begins. To get your back pain under control, consider seeing a chiropractor. Using natural treatments like spinal manipulation and massage, a chiropractor will safely 'realign' your spine to alleviate your soreness, discomfort and inflammation. Booking a series of chiropractic appointments in the weeks leading up to your holiday could significantly reduce your back pain over time. Getting on a flight afterward may still be uncomfortable, but it won't be anywhere near as painful as it would if you hadn't treated your back pain beforehand.