Are you planning a long road trip this summer? Read on for our tips on how to look after your back in the car!
Remember, it can really help to make sure you’re not holding stiffness in your lower back before you drive.
Get into the routine of doing some stretches every day – you could try some of these, for example.
Best Position For Driving
- Make sure you’re sitting well back into the car seat. Your body should be in contact with the seat from shoulders to buttocks.
- Don’t sit on anything! For example, take your wallet or phone out of your back pocket.
- If your car seats are soft, you’ll sink down into them, and not be getting sufficient support for your lower back. You (and your passengers) might consider using lumbar support pillows.
- Adjust the seat-back itself so that it is only slightly reclined (about 100 degree angle is fine), but not further than that. Too wide an angle between the seat and the back will force you into a slouch and unbalance your head and neck.
- Adjust the seat so that the angle does not place your knees too much higher than your hips. This is important, because driving with the knees high places additional pressure and strain on the lower back.
- Your head and shoulders should be aligned – shoulders ‘stacked’ above hips, head balanced above the base of the spine. Make sure you sit up to lengthen your spine.
- Keep your shoulders back and make sure your arms are reaching the wheel comfortably, with a right-angle bend at the elbows and your hands at the ‘10 to 2’ position.
- Adjust your seat so that some of your body weight is distributed to your thighs, otherwise you’ll be encouraged to slouch and your lower back will be taking too much strain.
- Take breaks!
And don’t forget to book in for a check up with us at Sundial Clinics.
Have a good holiday!