Summer road trips, daily drives to work and running errands—driving is an activity that gets us where we need to go. But have you asked yourself if it is your driving posture causing back pain or other discomfort? Find out where it is coming from and how you can remedy it now.
How your driving posture can affect your back.
There are many different ways your posture while driving can affect your back, including:
- Sitting hunched over the wheel.
- Slouching to the side or propping your elbow on the window.
- Not having your seat properly adjusted.
- Driving for long periods without taking breaks.
What is the best driving posture?
So, what is the best posture to avoid back pain while driving? Start by sitting up straight to ensure even pressure distribution on your hips.
Following sitting upright, keep your knees roughly at the same height or higher than your hips. Aim to keep your shoulders back and your bottom touching the back of the seat.
Do you need extra support? Use pillows or towels for your neck and lower back. It’s important to keep good posture while driving, as it can help prevent back pain and keep your back muscles strong.
The effect of your seat.
Do you find your seat uncomfortable? It may not be properly adjusted to your body and can be the cause of your back pain. Before you get behind the wheel again, follow these tips:
- Ensure your feet are flat on the floor and comfortably reach the pedals while sitting upright.
- Adjust the headrest so that it supports your head and neck.
- Adjust your seat to use the mirrors and see out of the windows without excessive twisting or straining.
Tips to avoid back pain while driving.
To reduce your back pain and the risk of developing injuries, such as a herniated disc, take frequent breaks when driving.
When you take a break, try to stretch, walk around, or lie down if possible to relieve stress on your spine.
Are you seeking more in-depth help for comfort on your drives? Chiropractic care can help treat your back pain caused by your driving posture. More so, check out how a chiro can help you:
- Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine and reduce pain.
- Massage therapy can help alleviate muscle tension.
- Stretches can help undo and prevent back pain.
Summary
If you think it is your driving posture causing back pain, talk to a trusted chiropractor to set up your treatment plan. If you’re in the East Alabama area, contact Advantage Chiropractic Clinic.
In the meantime, continue reading our blogs for more chiropractic tips and news.