Short answer
Hours of sitting with little movement, poor neck support and heavy luggage often leave your back or neck stiff and sore after a long flight or drive. It usually eases within a day or two once you are moving again. If it has not settled, or you are here on holiday and want to get back to running, hiking or training, a short course of treatment can help.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting
The lower back and hips stiffen after hours in one position.
Sleeping upright
The head drops forward or sideways, straining the neck.
Luggage
Lifting heavy cases into overhead bins and car boots with a stiff back.
What usually helps right now
- Walk as soon as you land; a gentle walk on the Sea Point Promenade is ideal.
- Use a neck pillow that supports the side of the head.
- Get up every hour on flights and every two hours on drives.
- Lift luggage close to your body.
What to avoid
- Lying in bed all day after you arrive.
- Jumping straight into a big hike or long run the next morning.
When to book an assessment
- It has not settled after two days.
- You want to train or hike during your stay.
Get urgent medical care if
- Calf pain, swelling or warmth after a long flight can be a blood clot: see a doctor the same day.
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain: call emergency services.
How we treat it
- AssessHistory, movement and clinical tests, with screening for anything that needs a doctor.
- ExplainA clear diagnosis in plain language, and what recovery usually looks like.
- TreatHands-on care where it helps: joint and soft tissue work, dry needling or adjustments.
- RebuildExercises and a training plan so it holds up, with an end point.
Questions
Can tourists book a chiropractor in Cape Town?
Yes. No referral is needed and you can book online. The clinic is minutes from Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront and the CBD.
Will travel insurance cover it?
Some policies cover chiropractic. You receive an invoice to claim back.