Firstly, what defines back and neck pain?

Back and neck pain can be defined generally as physical discomfort occurring anywhere along the spine/neck that ranges from mild to disabling. Back pain typically feels like an ache, tension or stiffness in the back or neck region.

Back pain is a common complaint with up to one in six Australians affected with the condition at any one time. The causes of back pain are not well understood as most people presenting with back pain do not have significant spinal damage. Instead it is thought that the pain is derived from the muscles, ligaments and joints.

The causes of back and neck pain are diverse and some examples include:

• Repetitive heavy lifting/manual labour
• Sudden awkward movement (particularly bending and twisting simultaneously)
• Poor posture
• Being sedentary and/or overweight
• Result of an accident
• Arthritis – including ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis

The treatment for back pain depends on presentation and complexity. Some back pain resolves without specific treatment. Other treatments involve graded exercise prescription and physiotherapy, multidisciplinary pain management and sometimes, medications.

Back and neck pain and travel insurance

Having back and neck pain should not stop Australians from having a great holiday, particularly as insure4less specialises in providing affordable travel insurance for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

For your own peace of mind, you can relax in the knowledge that you have the protection of one of the world’s largest insurers and medical emergency teams to support you whilst overseas if you suddenly suffer from a back/neck pain related incident. We ask you to declare your back/neck pain when completing your online travel insurance (normally there is no extra to pay). Depending on your personal circumstances we may request additional premium to cover for your back pain, or in some instances decline cover.

Once you have successfully applied for cover we’ll send you your certificate of insurance and Product Disclosure Statement via email which will confirm in writing exactly what your cover is. You can then simply travel and relax.

Here are just a few back/neck pain travel tips:

• When flying, put any back/neck pain medicines in your take on bag – making sure you pack a little extra to allow for delays. Make sure you take medication bottles labelled with your name and the prescription information.
• Consider saving a copy of your prescription in an online storage facility (such as Google Drive) so that you can access it should you need it.
• Ensure that you keep moving as much as possible when travelling. If on a plane, select an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around where possible
• Take some aids such as a neck pillow or lower back support device if you know it helps your condition.
• Make sure you continue your health practitioner’s recommendations for exercising when you arrive at your destination. Rest when you feel fatigued.
• Ask your friendly airhostess to warm up your heat pack for immediate relief.

Get a quote now!
https://www.insure4less.com.au/page/policies/medical-travel-insurance/