The Easter Bunny brings all things that are lovely in the world – chocolate, time off work and a great excuse for a trip away! But before you drive off into the Easter Holidays, spare a few thoughts for your spine and what you can do to keep it happy and healthy.
Our Fareham chiropractor warns that driving is a common contributor to lower back pain and can even cause the start of back pain in some people. But that doesn’t mean you should put your plans for a road trip on the back-burner; all you need to do to reduce your risk of back pain when driving is follow the simple tips below. Before you do that, let’s look at the reasons why getting behind the week can cause back pain.
Driving for prolonged periods reduces the natural curve of your lumbar spine, placing extra strain on your vertebrae and discs. You may also feel neck strain if your seat is tipped back and you have to flex your neck to look ahead. Of course, these risk factors combined with sitting in one position for hours on end can mean bad news for your back!
So how do you make your journey as spine-friendly as possible?
Here are some great tips from our chiropractor:
- Don’t sit too far away from the pedals as this could put extra strain on your upper back and neck.
- Make sure you can comfortably reach your steering wheel with your arms bent and your hands in the 10 to 2 position.
- If your seat has an inbuilt lumbar support, adjust it so that it presses gently on your lower back at belt height.
- If you car does not come with a lumbar support, invest in one.
- Consider buying an automatic car that doesn’t require constant clutch use.
- Don’t attempt long journeys all in one go. Make frequent stops, get out of the car, move around and stretch.
- Try to relax when you’re driving. Gripping the steering wheel too tightly will cause your neck and shoulder muscles to tense up.
Taking a few moments to use this advice each time you drive could save you from a lifelong journey of back pain.
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
