If you commute to work by car or you spend a significant amount of time on the road each day, you may experience back pain when driving. Some of you may even live with chronic back pain yet can’t avoid driving when you need to get somewhere. So what’s the solution? How can you ease those pesky aches and niggles when you’re behind the wheel?

Our Bournemouth chiropractor has some great tips …

Use a lumbar support

This can be something simple, such as a rolled-up towel or a cushion specifically designed to support you spine. Whatever it is you use, make sure you place it at the small of your back, about seat belt level.

Move your seat forward

Being close to the steering wheel will help to prevent you from slouching and keep you from straining or stretching to reach the pedals. When positioning you seat, remember that your knees should not be higher than your hips when you’re driving.

Angle your seat

The back of your seat should be adjusted to an angle of about 100 to 110 degrees. This will allow you to sit in the optimum driving position for your spine.

Cruise

If your car has cruise control, use it when it’s safe to do so. This function will enable you to rest both feet on the car floor for short periods whilst distributing your weight more evenly.

Stretch

Take breaks from driving as often as possible to get out of the car, walk around a little and stretch.

Heat your seat.

If you car has heated seats, turn them on! Heat can help to relieve pain by relaxing tight joints and muscles, reducing the transmission of pain signals to the brain, and bringing a better flow of oxygen and nutrients that can help heal damaged tissue. If your car doesn’t have heated seats, consider buying heated seat covers.

Remember that sitting in the car in the same position for a long period of time can trigger or even cause back pain. It’s important to take these tips on board whether you currently have back pain or not.

Our spines simply weren’t designed for the mechanisms of driving; so it’s up to you to take control to look after yours. We can’t predict who will develop back pain and who won’t, but we can all do everything in our power to reduce the risk.