Patient Testimonial: Traveling Without Chronic Back Pain

For many people, travel is a source of excitement — exploring new destinations, making memories with loved ones, or simply stepping away from everyday life. But for those suffering from chronic back pain, the idea of long flights, road trips, or even carrying a suitcase can turn that excitement into anxiety. The good news? There are real solutions that can help people travel without pain.

Amanda Stokes knows this firsthand. A mother of two living abroad in Europe, Amanda and her family love to travel — but persistent back pain nearly brought that to a halt. Her journey from pain to healing is a powerful reminder that modern back surgery can restore not just comfort, but quality of life.

The Link Between Travel and Back Pain

Studies show a strong connection between travel and discomfort. After just five hours of travel, 78% of people report soreness, and 67% say they feel the need to stretch or move around. Amanda could relate.

“I would still go [on trips], but I had to sit and rest a lot while they did things, or go back to the hotel to rest,” she said. “It just felt like my whole lifestyle was being affected because of my back pain.”

What started as hip flexor discomfort quickly became excruciating nerve pain. “I ended up in the ER a couple of times just trying to figure out what was wrong. Sure enough, I had some herniated discs… I couldn’t get off the couch. I had recently started a new job and we had recently moved to Europe — I thought, ‘Great, what about all of our travel plans?’”

Searching for Chronic Back Pain Relief

Amanda tried physical therapy and medication abroad, even undergoing two microdiscectomy surgeries in Belgium. But the relief didn’t last. “I could tell probably within a few months afterward — uh oh, it’s back again. My foot immediately went numb again, the pain was back.”

Doctors advised a spinal fusion, but Amanda hesitated. “It just seemed very extreme. I still felt young-ish, even though I was feeling very old from all this back pain.” Eventually, her physical therapist in Belgium referred her to Dr. Haines at VSI.

In January 2024, Amanda traveled from Europe to the U.S. for spinal fusion surgery. “Week one was tough,” she admitted. “But by the end of that week, I was up and walking a bit more and could just feel — wow — I think this finally resolved it.”

She flew home just 12 days after surgery. “I did everything I was supposed to — got up frequently, wore compression socks, took pain medicine, paid for extra space. And surprisingly, it went okay.”

Traveling the World After Spine Surgery

Within six weeks of surgery, Amanda was back on the road — first to Nice and Monaco, then to Morocco, where she rode a camel, camped in the desert, and even sand-surfed.

“I just did everything I would have imagined wanting to do. I didn’t have to rest. I didn’t feel like I was missing out,” she said. “That was hard for me and my family before. There were just constant adjustments — where’s the hotel, where can I get some rest, where’s the closest hospital?”

Now, her life is different. “We go every month or so to a new city or country. We’ve been to Denmark — I rode on the tallest, longest slide in the country — and to Malta, London, Paris, Spain, Romania, Egypt. I’ve been on roller coasters. We’re just living again.”

Learn More about Amanda’s Story

Tips for Managing Back Pain While Traveling

If you’re dealing with back pain on the go, there are several steps travelers with back pain can take to minimize pain:

Choose Luggage Wisely

Opt for lightweight, wheeled luggage with adjustable handles. If using a backpack, find one with lumbar support and padded straps.

Pack Light

Stick to essentials to reduce the load you’re carrying — every pound counts.

Stretch Before Departure

Stretch your hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower back to reduce tension before you go.

Move Often in Transit

Whether flying or driving, stand up, walk, and stretch every 30–60 minutes to keep your muscles from tightening.

Support Your Spine

Use a lumbar pillow or a rolled-up jacket for lower back support while seated.

Hydrate

Dehydration contributes to muscle stiffness and inflammation — drink water regularly throughout your trip.

Lift Safely

Use your legs when lifting luggage, not your back. Avoid twisting and keep the load close to your body.

Recovery Counts

After arriving, stretch again and consider heat or cold therapy if you’re sore. Choose a hotel with comfortable mattresses and pillows to support good rest.

A Life Reclaimed

Amanda says she’s essentially back to full activity. “I’m starting to run a little bit. I’ve invested in better shoes, compression socks, and I’m listening to my body more.”

When asked what advice she’d give others considering spinal surgery, Amanda didn’t hesitate.

“Don’t suffer through it. Get your pain addressed so you don’t miss out on things. There’s so much information out there. Find a doctor you trust. Do the research. I was scared too, but now I’m doing everything I want to do — climbing mountains, exploring markets, riding camels. I’m back to normal, and so thankful.”