Long drives can turn into uncomfortable endurance tests for your back. Whether you’re commuting daily or taking occasional road trips, driving-related discomfort is common and, if you’re reading this, likely all too familiar.
But you’re in luck; here are your Spring Hill chiropractor’s top tips for preventing back pain when driving.
1. Adjust Your Seat Position Properly
Your backrest should support your natural spinal curves without forcing them. Most people sit too far from the steering wheel, causing reaching strain. And your knees should remain slightly bent when pressing the pedals fully. (Straight legs increase pressure on your lower back.) The seat height should allow clear road visibility without neck strain.
The distance from the steering wheel also matters for spinal health! Your shoulders should stay relaxed against the seat while driving. Arms need a comfortable bend at the elbows when gripping the wheel. Fine-tuning these adjustments takes time but provides lasting benefits and, ultimately, pain relief!
2. Support Your Lower Back
The lumbar region bears significant stress during driving. Most car seats lack adequate lower back support. This gap between the seat and the spine creates particularly problematic pressure points.
Yet, a lumbar support cushion can be a great investment here. It supports and maintains your spine’s natural inward curve. In turn, this can reduce the strain on spinal discs. It also helps distribute weight more evenly across vertebrae.
3. Take Regular Breaks
Even the best seat adjustments can’t eliminate this compression entirely. Your spine needs periodic relief from driving positions. So, stop every hour or two during long drives. Even five-minute breaks provide significant spinal relief. Stand, walk around your vehicle, and let your spine decompress!
4. Check Your Mirror Placement
Constantly turning to check blind spots strains cervical vertebrae. But proper mirror adjustment minimizes these repetitive movements. In other words, adjust your mirrors after achieving your optimal seat position. You should see clearly without lifting your head off the headrest. Side mirrors should reveal blind spots with minimal head movement.
The rearview mirror also shouldn’t require neck extension to use. Minor adjustments here prevent accumulated strain over time. Your spine maintains better alignment with properly positioned mirrors.
At the end of the day, these details matter more during longer drives. Reducing repetitive neck movements protects cervical spine health significantly.
5. Use Cruise Control When Appropriate
Cruise control allows position changes without affecting vehicle speed. Your right leg can move freely, reducing hip and lower back tension. Highway driving particularly benefits from cruise control. The consistent speed eliminates repetitive pedal movements. And this reduction in repetitive motion decreases spinal fatigue.
Protect Your Spine for the Long Haul
Driving doesn’t have to result in back discomfort. These preventive strategies, combined with regular chiropractic care, keep your spine healthy. Spinal adjustments address any alignment issues that driving may cause.
Curious to learn more? Your Spring Hill and Colombia chiropractors are here to help. At Premier Chiropractic, our team is dedicated to helping you find relief. Book your appointment with us today!
