Traveling with Back Pain: Here’s What Saved Us
When I pictured our month-long stay in Nice, France, I imagined espresso mornings, slow strolls along the Promenade des Anglais, and afternoons spent getting blissfully lost in cobblestone alleyways.
What I didn’t imagine? A sudden flare-up of my husband’s chronic back pain—and an unexpected visit to a French pharmacy that reminded me how important it is to be prepared when you’re traveling with back pain. It was a turning point in our trip, and one that taught me just how different—and surprisingly helpful—healthcare can be when you’re far from home.
1. From Promenade to Pain: When Travel Plans Shift
We were just a few days into our trip, enjoying the vibrant Gambetta neighborhood where we’d rented a cozy Airbnb. After breakfast, we headed toward the Carre d’Or, one of Nice’s most charming areas.
But before we even reached the market, I saw it in his face: that familiar, tight-lipped wince. His back—worn down by years of arthritis and spinal stenosis—was not handling the extra walking. Back home, we drive everywhere. In France, we walked five miles a day, easily. And despite having packed all his medications, we were clearly going to need more help.
2. Why We Always Travel with Medications—and a Plan B
Before every international trip, I do what I now consider essential:
- Pack all medications in carry-ons
- Bring a doctor’s letter explaining his condition and treatment
- Save the contact info for local English-speaking doctors
This time, we’d even packed two Medrol (steroid) packs—one for a flare-up, and one backup. The first one worked well. But when his pain returned days later, we knew we couldn’t jump into the second dose too soon. That’s when our “Plan B” kicked in.
3. What Saved Us: A Pharmacist Who Listened
3.1 Navigating a Pharmacy in France (Without Much French)
We visited a local pharmacy I had already marked in my phone. With my husband in pain and both of us limited in French, we explained the situation as best we could. We were guided straight to the head pharmacist—calm, professional, and surprisingly thorough.
I showed her the letter from his U.S. doctor. It explained his condition and suggested that if the pain returned before he could safely take a second steroid pack, an anti-inflammatory would help.
She nodded, asked a few thoughtful questions, and offered a non-steroidal solution we hadn’t seen before.
3.2 The Patch That Made All the Difference
She recommended a drug-free pain relief patch embedded with mineral particles designed to reflect the body’s own infrared heat, improve blood flow, and ease stiffness.
It wasn’t magic—but it helped. She also recommended a high-strength 400 mg ibuprofen gel cap, which isn’t available over the counter in the U.S.
He wore the patch, took the ibuprofen for two days, and by day three, we were back to slow walks and seaside cafés.
4. Why Local Research Is Just as Important as Packing Right
4.1 How I Found English-Speaking Doctors—Just in Case
Before we ever left home, I had gone to the U.S. Embassy in France, navigated to the “U.S. Citizen Services” section, and found a list of English-speaking doctors in the South of France.
I saved the contact info to my phone. If the pharmacy hadn’t been enough—or if he had needed a refill or stronger medication—I was ready to call.
KEEN TIP:
This embassy search process works in any country. Just head to your country’s U.S. embassy site (or your own country’s if you’re not American), and look for their medical assistance page. Save that info before you go—it can be a lifesaver.
5. What I Learned (and What I Hope You’ll Take With You)
Managing chronic pain while traveling isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being prepared. Here’s what made all the difference:
5.1 Meds Go in the Carry-On, Always
Carry-on only. Never checked luggage. We packed enough for our stay, plus 10 extra days—just in case.
5.2 A Doctor’s Letter Opens Doors
Whether you’re facing TSA agents, customs officers, or foreign pharmacists, a well-worded doctor’s letter makes it easier to explain your needs, especially across a language barrier. The Center for Disease Control confirms that a medical letter can smooth things at the border, especially if you’re carrying meds that are restricted in that country.
If you don’t have one yet, here’s a free template I offer to simplify the process.
5.3 Know Before You Go: Pharmacies vs. Doctors
In France (and many other countries), pharmacists are trained to give medical advice and recommend over-the-counter treatments. It’s not unusual to skip a doctor visit entirely. Knowing this helped us save time, money, and effort.
5.4 Keep Digital Copies of Everything
I had photos of his prescriptions, our passports, the doctor’s letter, and even the embassy contact info saved to my phone. If we’d lost anything, I could quickly access what we needed.
5.5 Plan for “What If?”
We never needed to visit a doctor—but we were ready. That peace of mind made all the difference. A small investment of time before your trip can prevent a world of stress when something goes sideways.
5.6 Bonus Backup: A Doctor on Demand with Air Doctor
While we didn’t end up needing a full medical consultation, I had another tool in my back pocket just in case—Air Doctor. It’s an easy-to-use site that connects travelers with local, licensed, English-speaking doctors around the world. You can book a virtual or in-person visit, pay with a credit card, and even get digital prescriptions when allowed by local laws.
KEEN TIP: If you’re managing a chronic condition or traveling to a country where finding care feels intimidating, take a look at the Air Doctor website; it’s simple to navigate and especially reassuring if your hotel or Airbnb host can’t help, or if it’s late and you’re unsure where to turn.
6. Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Pain Take Over the Trip
We didn’t expect a pharmacy to save the day in France—but it did. And it reminded me of this: preparation isn’t just about packing bags. It’s about creating freedom. The freedom to explore. To recover. And to enjoy the journey—even if you have to slow down for a few days along the way.
If you’re planning a trip and dealing with a chronic condition, give yourself the gift of peace of mind. A few smart steps before you leave can turn a potential travel nightmare into just another story with a happy ending.
