Car seats are designed to give you the best driving experience but that often doesn’t mean they are healthy for your back. Long trips can particularly be a cause of back pain and significant disability.
Following some simple steps can make sure your back stays healthy while you drive.
- Keep an erect posture with your seat in an upright position
- Use a lumbar support to maintain the neutral arch in the low of your back
- Keep your seat at the correct position so that you are not reaching for the pedals or have your knees too flexed up
- On long trips get out of the car every hour to take the pressure off your lower back. Doing some back arches at this time or going for a short walk can help to neutralise any stress on the discs and ligaments in your back
- When getting in and out of the car swivel your whole body as a unit and not your legs before your back.
- Adjust your head rest so that you head is back in line with the rest of your spine. Feeling a slight inward tuck of your chin tells you that you are in a good position.
If you are having trouble sitting in your car talking to a physio and getting them to check your posture in sitting can be useful. Sitting supports and adjustment can be used to get you in the best and safest position