This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
Back pain while driving is a common issue affecting millions of car drivers worldwide. In fact, recent reports suggest that 60 to 70% of car drivers frequently complain of back pain when driving.
The traffic in the majority of cities causes car drivers to spend long hours behind the wheel, giving rise to one or more back issues. Excessive lower back pain might result in serious issues like Slip Disc, Reduced Endurance to Stand, and Paralysis in some rare cases.
Effective Ways to Help Drivers Drive Without Back Pain ¶
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to help drivers prevent back pain while driving. Here are five easy tips to get you started:
1. Ensure Your Car Seat is in the Correct Position ¶
It's essential to ensure that your car seat is set up correctly to prevent back pain. The angle between the back of your seat and the base of your seat should be roughly between 110-130 degrees. This will prevent slumping or reaching forward too much.
Setting up your car seat can prevent more than 50% of the injuries to the back, ensuring a smooth ride.
2. Stretch as Often as You Can ¶
Sitting in the car for long hours can cause your muscles to go numb. To avoid continuous straining of your muscles, you can do some stretches while waiting out the traffic in your car. There are several stretching techniques available for practicing while sitting.
Stretches will help loosen the muscles, thereby giving you more flexibility to drive.
3. Keep an Ice/Hot Pack Handy in Your Car ¶
Always keep an ice pack or a hot pack in your car, depending on whatever suits you. Acute injuries need an ice pack, while chronic injuries need hot packs. You can use either of these packs by keeping them behind your back on your driver's seat. They help relax the muscles, thereby releasing the stress on your back.
4. Give Yourself Enough Breaks ¶
Long distance driving can be a challenge if you have a severe back pain. It could be anything from a water break to a washroom break. Make sure that you take a break for 15-20 minutes and stretch your legs to avoid any back injuries.
5. Exercise Your Back Muscles Regularly ¶
One of the best things that could help you maintain a good back health is regular exercise. Exercising your back will provide longevity to your back and help you drive smoother. There are many online exercises available for help.
By following these five easy tips, you can prevent back pain while driving and enjoy a healthy driving experience.
