Back pain while driving. Five steps to less pain and a more comfortable commute.

Does going for a drive in your car give you a pain in the back?  Have you ever wondered what you can do to arrive at your destination with less pain and discomfort and a smile on your face?

Well here are five things that you must know before you next get behind the wheel.

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1. POSTURE – your posture counts no-matter where you are, but when you get fixed into the one position for extended periods of time, good posture becomes all the more important. Key factors to remember include: keeping your hips and knees as close to right angles as possible, keep your shoulders low, and don’t let your head creep forwards.  When you first take your seat, take a moment to ensure that you are well centred and that your environment (mirrors, steering wheel, seat etc) has been adjusted to best suit your needs.
2. DRIVE TIME– We all know that it is important to have regular 2 hour breaks to help prevent mental fatigue, however fatigue of the body and connective tissues will take place just as easily. It is important to make the most of this break time, walk around, stretch your body and take lots of deep breaths.
3. SEAT/SUSPENSION –If you have ongoing back pain when driving, it may be worth considering whether your seat and/or suspension are contributing to your issues. Many trucks and utility vehicles are notorious for their poor seat and suspension quality, however there are companies that specialise in upgrading these features.  Many people find that changing from a sedan to an SUV/4WD allows them to improve their posture significantly and that their back issues may improve accordingly.
4. HAND TOWEL – Small towels are a great help when your seat falls short of providing ideal ergonomic support. A scrunched up towel tucked behind your low back becomes an instant lumbar support, and a folded hand towel placed under the outer third of each buttock, can help hold an unstable pelvis together.
5. ICE PACK – Many people with back pain use heat packs to help them to feel more comfortable, however if your back first became sore following a sudden event or injury, or you suspect that a joint (such as part of your spine) may be involved, then an ice pack may be a much better idea. In these circumstances, there may be a certain amount of inflammation involved, which will only be exacerbated by the addition of heat or reduced when using an ice pack

At Catalyst Chiropractic, our chiropractors work with you to determine the causes of your problems. Our experience allows us to provide suggestions for you to implement to improve your lifestyle and manage your condition optimally.

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by Dr Kristie Lane