Driving, how to look after your back!
If you suffer from, or have ever suffered with back pain, then you will know that driving can be a real problem. Sometimes, just getting in and out of a car brings on excruciating pain. Sitting in the car, bus or lorry seat can be highly uncomfortable, especially as sometimes there is little to support the back. Then as you begin to repeatedly press at the pedals, the stress and strain that is put on your back is quite suddenly becomes increasingly more painful.
Imagine what this can mean to those people who drive regularly to and from work, on long car journeys, or even for those people who drive for a living, such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, lorry drivers and even airline pilots!
It means time off work, loss of income, days, weeks or even months of pain!
In a recent study of business car drivers at least half said that they had suffered from low back pain in the last 12 months. Approximately 30-60% of drivers report back pain that is made worse by driving.
It’s not possible to recommend specific cars to avoid back pain as we all vary in shape and size.
What we can do to help, is make recommendations about your driving position and posture to help. I would also strongly advise any person who is suffering with back pain, to contact a specialist Physiotherapist who will be able to advise you on what you can do for back pain.
Looking after your driving posture, you should take into account all of the following points:-
Your seat should be comfortable, supportive and adjustable.
Sit with your buttocks as close as possible to the back rest. Your legs should be slightly bent when you press a pedal to the floor.
Adjust the seat length so your thighs are in contact with the seat almost up to the back of the knees.
Sit with your shoulders as close as possible to the backrest. Adjust the angle of the backrest so that you can reach the steering wheel with arms bent. Shoulders should stay in contact with the back rest as you turn the steering wheel.
A lumbar support should be adjusted properly so that it fully supports the natural curves of your spine.
Adjust the height and tilt of the seat to allow your feet to reach the pedals without stretching.
You should be able to reach all hand controls easily and have a clear view on all sides and display instruments.
Check the angle of the headrest. The upper edge should be aligned with the top of your head. Adjust to allow three quarters of an inch between your head and the headrest.
Remember, the more adjustable features in your car, the greater the likelihood of achieving good comfortable postures.
Finally, know your limits, take regular breaks, and stretch often during breaks.
If you have any further questions about back pain or how to help ease it, then please feel free to contact the clinic at 028 9266 6959, or
gavin@gavnoble.com
You also have access to our FREE 7 Easy ways to beat Back Pain report, here.
Back Pain