Back pain relief tips when driving

Suffering from back pain can make you feel miserable. Constant back pain may make it uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time, stand, and may even make it difficult to sleep. At times, it can seem like back pain sufferers just can’t win. Fortunately, some may be able to alleviate their back pain by simply adjusting their driving behaviour.

The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey reported that the average American spends around 100 hours a year just commuting to and from work. The 2007 Harvard Health Watch reported that the average person spends around 101 minutes driving each day. If this is true, then most people spend around 5.42 years of their life behind the wheel. This certainly is a lot of driving so it’s no surprise that driving can have such a bearing on back pain.  Its interesting to note that the incidence of back pain has doubled every 10 years for the last 30 years, and so has the number of drivers!

The Primary Causes of Back Pain While Driving

For most people, good posture just isn’t something they think about when driving. Many people slouch, some people put their feet up. The great majority of people put their spine in a position that can cause problems, especially since most people are holding this position for over an hour and a half each day!

One of the largest causes of back pain is due to the pressure placed on the lumbar curve. The lumber curve consists of five vertebrae in the lower portion of the back. These vertebrae naturally curve towards the stomach. However, when driving for long periods of time, this curve tends to straighten, which puts excessive pressure on the discs. On top of this pressure, the discs and vertebrae are being forced to endure the millions of vibrations from the cars suspension being used to the maximum on the roads of today. This can cause back pain, even after getting out of the car.

As most car seats are so low with a limited leg area, many people recline their seat too far. When the seat is reclined, the legs are straightened and the neck is flexed forward, in order to get into a position to properly see the road. This can put intolerable pressure on the nerves in the arms and legs, the pelvic area, lower back, and neck. Most people have no idea that their comfortable driving position is negatively affecting so many areas of their body.

How to Ease Back Pain While Driving

Follow these simple steps from UK Leading Physiotherapist, Martin Haines, DipRGRT, MCSP SRP MBC MBCA. 

1. Adjust your seat so it is at about 10 – 20 degrees back from vertical. Sitting with the seat upright can be a little uncomfortable at first. Luckily, it should get much more comfortable with time. 
2. Move the seat so that your feet can easily reach the pedals, your knees must be bent to a comfortable position. You should also be close enough to the steering wheel to place both hands on the wheel with your elbows slightly bent. No more leaning back and driving with one hand! If you find you are stretching, try adjusting the height of your seat, ensuring you can also touch the controls and have good, all-round vision. 
3. Make sure you take the time to get out of your car and take a gentle walk around to get the muscles, joints, discs and nerves moving. So, instead of driving for hours straight, make a few stops. Driving for long periods will not only make you less likely to practice good posture, but it can get uncomfortable even if practicing absolutely perfect posture.
4. Many people with existing lower back problems find that an automatic gearbox helps them as less strain is placed on the spine and pelvis.
5. Don’t use your car as an office!  Using your laptop on your knee places a great deal of stress on your lower back, in particular your neck and also encourages bad posture.
6. If you are still struggling, it may be time to purchase an additional back support. There are many different products that drivers can purchase to support their lumbar curve when driving. Dynaspine is one such product! The Dynaspine Back Support for driving will ensure that the lumbar curve remains in a natural position, instead of becoming strained. This is accomplished with the help of the two flexible back support plates. They are built on a special spring mechanism that allows them to move with your back as you sit in different positions, e.g. changing gear or turning to look out of your side window. Dynaspine is the ideal product for back pain relief when driving. It is also lightweight and comes with a free carry case so you can take it where ever you go; to the office, on an airplane, to your home, etc.

Purchase Dynaspine for driving for £79.99 with FREE delivery.