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heck out Some the Best Ways to Prevent Back Pain While You're Driving
Car accidents are on the rise. If you've been in a collision, you may experience back pain while driving. Drivers who have never been involved in an accident could also be experiencing some level of back pain while behind the wheel. This can happen because of how the body is positioned to operate the steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals.
Back pain while driving can make it challenging to do normal activities, such as getting in and out of the car, getting into bed, or even staying seated for too long. It can also be challenging to sit for a few hours during your commute. People who suffer from back pain while driving may have trouble performing simple tasks like tying their shoes or putting on their seat belts. If you are experiencing this type of pain regularly, it is essential to visit your doctor to determine what treatment options might be suitable for you.
Medical content reviewed by Dr Eric Jackson-Scott MD, Chief Medical Officer 
Here are some of the more common causes of back pain.
1. Poor Posture
Poor posture while driving is a common cause of back pain while you're at the wheel. This could be due to slouching or using incorrect posture when operating the car or other vehicle. To avoid this, make sure your head and shoulders are correctly positioned to align with your hips. It can also help to maintain a straight back when sitting.
2. Bad Driving Habits
Many people might not realize that their driving habits, such as stopping suddenly or taking sharp turns too quickly, could be causing them to experience pain in their lower backs. This type of back pain, while you're behind the wheel, could also be due to trying to quickly and abruptly steer away from a bad situation. Slow down and pay attention to the road, so you don't have to keep making sharp turns or sudden stops.
3. Overuse
Overuse can happen when you're either on your feet too often or sitting in the same position for hours at a time. This overuse is most commonly seen in jobs that require a lot of physical labor. If you have a job like this, it's important to make sure you take breaks and stretch your body after performing these tasks. If sitting for several hours, you'll want to use an ergonomically correct seat cushion that helps lower back pain while driving.
4. Accident or Collision
If you've had a car accident or collision, it is possible that your back pain while driving could be due to an injury. If this is the case with you, visit your doctor to run tests and exams to determine what types of treatment options are best for you.
5. Improper Lifting Technique
Lower back pain, while you're driving, could be because your lifting technique is incorrect. If this happens, you might find it challenging to keep your lower back in a neutral position or may not be able to stand up straight. To avoid this type of injury, make sure to bend at the knees and hips instead of the lower back when lifting or to pick up.
6. Driving Too Much
For many people, driving is a part of everyday life. However, if you're spending too much time behind the wheel without giving your body time to rest and relax, it could be causing you to experience pain in your lower back. This is especially true if you are driving for several hours at a time, every day. If you're feeling pain in your lower back while driving, it might be time to take some time off from driving or cut down the number of hours you spend behind the wheel each week.
7. Compression Fractures
Compression fractures occur when a bone is weakened due to a lack of minerals and other nutrients. This typically happens after someone has lost a lot of weight or has been suffering from back pain for quite some time. If you have recently experienced a drastic change in your body mass, it might be time to visit your doctor so they can run tests.
8. Arthritis
Driving could be difficult when you have arthritis. This is because the joints in your body are not moving as quickly as they usually would, which can cause pain in your lower back while driving. If this happens to you, make sure you take all of the medications that your doctor has prescribed for you and visit them regularly to monitor your condition.
9. Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are a result of damaged or ruptured disks in the spine. If you've recently experienced one of these, it could be causing pain while you're driving. This type of back pain while driving is typically accompanied by swelling and irritation around the affected area. If you are experiencing this, it's time to visit your doctor for some tests and exams.
10. Severe Spinal Deformity
If you have a spinal deformity, which is more common for middle-aged or elderly, it could be causing you to experience pain while driving. If this happens to you, make sure to visit your doctor so they can run tests and exams to determine what course of treatment options would be best for you.
11. Bulging Discs
If you have bulging discs in your lower back, it could be causing you to experience pain while driving. This is because the bulge can pressure nearby nerves and cause them to become irritated and inflamed. If this happens to you, make sure to visit your doctor so they can run tests and exams to determine what course of treatment options would be best for you.
12. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects muscles and soft tissues throughout the body. If you have fibromyalgia, you will experience pain while driving because it affects your muscles and tendons. Driving for prolonged periods could lead to pain in your lower back, shoulders, and neck.
13. Pregnancy
The last reason why you might have back pain while driving is due to being pregnant. Most women will experience some lower back pain during pregnancy since there is a lot of pressure on the body from the baby's extra weight gain and growth. If you're pregnant and experiencing pain in your lower back, make sure to visit your doctor so they can help treat the pain.
Tips for Preventing Back Pain While Driving
1. Adjust Your Seat and Headrest
The first thing you will want to do is adjust your car's seat to be comfortable for you and properly positioned. Next, adjust the headrest so that your neck is fully supported when driving.
2. Use a Lumbar Support
If you would like some extra support in your lower back region, try using lumbar support for your back. This will help reduce the amount of force put on your spine while you are driving.
3. Adjust Your Mirrors
Another easy tip to follow when trying to prevent back pain from occurring while you're driving is by adjusting your car's side and rearview mirrors. This will allow you to have an easier time seeing other drivers during your drive, which could also prevent back pain from occurring.
4. Take Breaks
Most of us don't think about getting out of the car and taking a break until our back begins to hurt. Taking regular breaks every few hours is vital so that you don't end up with back pain while driving. It will also help keep you alert and focused on the road, which could prevent accidents.
5. Move Your Seat Forward
Another helpful tip is to move your car seat forward to be as close to the steering wheel as possible. This will make it easier for you to turn and reach your car's controls, which could prevent back pain from occurring.
6. Adjust the Wheel
Another tip for preventing back pain while driving is to make sure that your steering wheel is set at a comfortable level. If the steering wheel is raised too high or too low, you might experience back pain.
7. Wear a Belt
Ensure always to wear your car's seat belt while driving to have the added protection during your drive. If the seat belt is not adjusted properly, it could add too much pressure on your back and cause it to hurt more than usual.
8. Change Your Steering Wheel Grip
Switching up the grip on your steering wheel could be one of the most beneficial tips to follow. If you use a thicker grip, it might cause more strain on your wrists while driving. Try out some different grips until you find one that is comfortable for you.
9. Use Cruise Control
Another helpful tip is to use cruise control while you're driving. This will allow you to stay focused on the road and control your speed with just one foot. If you have a hard time maintaining a constant speed, this could be an easy way for you to prevent back pain from occurring while driving.
10. Use Your Heated Seat Option If Your Vehicle Has It
Driving in the cold weather with back pain is never a good combination, so if you suffer from back pain, try to drive during warmer days. If you have heated seats in your car, be sure to use them as a way to relax your muscles and prevent discomfort.
11. Change the Way You Get in and out of Your Vehicle
Getting in and out of your vehicle is another way to prevent back pain. If you are constantly getting in and out of the car, try using the side mirrors to help you line yourself up with the seat. This can help reduce tension in your spinal cord.
12. Buy a New Vehicle With the Right Features
Another tip we have for you is to buy a new vehicle with better features. If your car doesn't provide the right amount of lumbar support, or there isn't enough room in front of your seat for your legs and feet, consider getting a new one so that your back stays comfortable.
13. Sit With Your Back Against the Seat
Sitting with your back against the seat is another helpful tip. This position will allow you to take pressure off of your spine and lay flat on your back, which can cause less strain on your muscles.
14. Avoid Slouching
Avoid slouching as much as possible while you are driving because it could worsen your back pain. If you are already in a position that causes discomfort, try sitting up straight and leaning forward to give your muscles space to relax.
15. Bring a Cold or Heat Pack
Bringing a cold or heat pack with you in the car is another tip to follow. If your back starts to hurt, take it out and apply it to the area that hurts the most – you should feel better very quickly.
16. Stretch Out Your Legs and Ankles
You should stretch out your legs and ankles while driving is a great idea. This will help prevent your back from hurting and keep you feeling fresh and energized.
17. Create a Smooth Ride
Creating a smooth ride for your car is another tip to prevent back pain. If you have a banged-up or older model with lots of potholes and bumps, consider taking it into the shop and having it fixed. This will ensure that your drive is as smooth as possible, which can help if you are experiencing any discomfort in your back.
18. Consider Back Pain Treatment From a Specialist
If you do struggle with back pain, you should consider getting treatment from a specialist. If your discomfort is only minor and occasional, we recommend trying at-home treatments before seeing a doctor. However, if the pain is major and constant, it's best to get checked out right away.
Conclusion
Finding new and comfortable ways to drive is always a good idea, but if you do suffer from back pain regularly, consider considering some of these tips. If your back continues to be in pain no matter what you try, we recommend speaking with your doctor about possible treatments and prescription medication that could help.
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