Planes, Trains, and a Spinal Fusion

On our way to our honeymoon in Maui. LONG flight for a fused spine.

Air travel is painful. If it isn’t the long lines, the crowds, or endless waiting, it’s the smells at 30,000 feet, the tiny seat, or impossibly tinier lavatory. But when you fly with a fusion, things can escalate to a new level of pain. Sitting still, unable to move, your back and legs can lock up leading to tears and ruined plans. Here’s how I manage:

Break up longer flights into shorter flights. Take an extra day, if you need to. My husband and I flew to Maui for our honeymoon. We stopped at LAX overnight on purpose. It made that long oversea flight doable.
Nicely inform the person in the seat behind you that you have a spinal fusion and will need to put your seat back. Apologize profusely and most people will be understanding…if not happy anyway.
Get up and walk around whenever the fasten seat belt sign is off. You might feel like you’re bothering your seat mates, but if you explain what’s happening, most of the time they will share their own stories of pain and surgery. Then, you’ll make a new friend. Or they’ll look at you like “whatever, lady.” Either way, just get up and stretch a bit.
Use your core when grabbing things out of the overhead bin. You’re in a hurry and feel like everyone is waiting on YOU to grab your stuff already! Don’t sweat it. Take your time. This is an easy way to hurt yourself if you aren’t mindful and deliberate. Use your core!
Finally, meditate during the flight. This is a great opportunity to get into your body and be aware of where you are actually hurting. Don’t play the old automatic tape. Slowly run your attention up and down your body with curiosity. Know how you’re feeling, even if you hurt.

On our way to our honeymoon in Maui. LONG flight for a fused spine.

Trains, on the other hand, can be a different experience. Painful mostly due to delays and time involved, most of the issues you face on planes can be avoided on a train…if you plan ahead.

Get a sleeper car or a roomette. Seriously. It’s worth the extra expense to be able to walk around, lay down, and stretch out!
Bring your own pillows. The beds and chairs are very hard and not supportive. Bring your own pillows and blankets to make up for it.
Get up, walk around, and enjoy meeting people/seeing the beautiful country. You can move on a train! Take advantage.

On board the California Zephyr with my feet up and a smile on my face.

Planes or trains? This one is the winner.

Tarah Neujahr Bryan

I'm from Montana and despite living in six different states, Montana is still my heart's home. I have passion for many things in life, including my beautiful daughter and son, my amazing husband, Nebraska Football, playing softball, hiking, healthcare policy, aviation, running, yoga, reading, outdoor life, animals, hiking, sports, and so much more. It's always growing and changing. I have a BA in History, with a minor in Sociology from Montana State- Billings and an MA in Journalism and Mass Communications (specialization in Marketing, Communications, and Advertising) from the University of Nebraska.

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View Comments

Bob Phillips says:

January 6, 2016 at 3:27 pm

Thanks for the insight, although it IS all the things that you dismissed. For my annual semi-business trip to Las Vegas for the SEMA show, I avoided the TSA, Luggage loss, ... by driving about 40-hours.

I hope you're really OK, miss you and wish you guys a successful and pleasant 2016.