Driving and backpain

---

 

Smoother driving and fewer backpain problems

 

 

Driving and backpain seem to be an everyday part of life. Since driving is probably the single most dangerous activity the majority of us engage in we need to do all we can to protect ourselves.

Every year sees more cars on the road, more congestion, more aggrievation and more stress. Long periods of sitting stuck in traffic, the constant worry that 'some fool' is going to do something stupid and put you at risk. And all the time, there is compression on your spine, stress and constant strain on your neck - ideal conditions for developing driving and backpain problems and long lasting backache.

Now there is no doubt that cars generally are getting safer and accidents are more survivable, but your human body hasn't changed so it's up to you to minimise the risk to yourself and to your passengers.

Take the time to adjust your seat properly before setting off. Your thighs should be roughly parallel to the floor and your feet should be able to reach the pedals without stretching. Your seat back should be adjusted so that it is upright and supportive. If you have an adjustable lumbar control then alter it to provide firm pressure to the small of your back. If your car isn't fitted with one then use a small cushion to provide extra support.

Most important - and most often neglected - is the headrest or head support. It is of major importance in minimising the risk to your neck from whiplash injuries You should adjust the height to roughly the middle of your head. Too low and it increases your risk, too high and it serves little purpose.

Don't assume that because you are driving the very latest car with air bags all around, it means that your neck and spine are protected. Yes, the bags certainly mean you are more likely to survive an accident, but they won't protected you from whiplash injury.

In most countries it is now the law that seat belts must be worn. Common sense and crazy not to wear one yet you still see people 'just popping down to the shops' and not bothering to do their belt up. Most accidents happen in built up areas so while it may not be an obvious driving and backpain issue, believe me, if you go through the windscreen while driving, it will be more than backpain which will be troubling you!

Some cars are better than others for seating. Volvo for example have always adressed the driving and backpain issue and have had osteopath designed seats fitted in all their models, but whatever you drive, take a regular break. Stop perhaps once an hour for a few minutes. get out and stretch you back, walk around for a bit, and get some fresh air. Your back will feel better for it and your driving will be safer.

If you are ever fortunate enough to be driven by a good race driver, your first impression will be of smoothness. It may even feel that you aren't going very quickly but the truth is that 'smooth is fast'. To help prevent neck and back pain while driving, try and smooth your own driving style. Ease that gearstick in and out, accelerate smoothly as you change up through the gears and allow a little more time when you brake so that you can gently ease your speed down. It gets easier, you won't take any longer on your journey and there will be two bonuses, your neck will be in good condition - no jerking back and forward all the time - and you will have saved money because smooth driving not only driving backpain, it also means more miles to the gallon - honestly!

Try to use what the police call 'defensive driving' techniques. All this requires is that you try to become more aware of the traffic around you. Can you see potential problems ahead for example? Perhaps you have just caught sight of a flashing blue or orange light well in the distance. Does it mean that the traffic immediately ahead of you might suddenly stop? How far behind can you see - on the motorway perhaps? There may be something coming up at high speed - legally or otherwise. How quickly is he catching you up? Do you think the driver in front of you has seen him or is he likely to pull out to overtake right in front of it - and you?

How about that truck or lorry ahead. Foreign number plates? He will have his mirrors set for driving on the wrong side of the road so he is unlikely to see you if he decides to pull out.

If the traffic ahead stops, brake smoothly but try to leave some extra space. Put your hazzard indicators on so the following traffic gets plenty of warning. Watch your rear view mirror and if you think the person coming up fast behind hasn't seen you, or may not be able to stop, then you can ease forward into the 'reserve' space you left. It could make all the difference between a fright and a serious accident - and it is your neck you are protecting..............

Stuck in a traffic jam? Relax - there is nothing you can do to change things and getting all stressed up because you are going to be late or whatever is just guaranteed to give you back and neck ache. Instead, think of that hot bath you can lay back in at the end of the day. See - already the stress is going as your mind pictures something better.

And if you have to spend many hours on the road, why not take a tip from the London 'Cabbies' many of whom still use those wooden beaded back seat cushions. They may look very 'retro' but drivers who use them swear that they provide gentle massage and ventilation for their backs. Worth trying....................

 

Drive safely and protect your back!

 

Driving and backpain don't have to go together

 

 

Other useful attributes