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Explore Some of the Causes and Treatment of Back Pain While Driving
Back pain is a common problem among drivers due to constrained postures, low-frequency vibrations, and prolonged sitting. Experiencing upper, middle, or lower back pains is no joke, especially when driving. Whether you're taking a long summer trip to vacation or driving to work every day, you don't have to suffer from back pains. Frequent back pains when driving make it very difficult to drive, and some drivers quit. However, don't give up the thrill of getting on the road because, with a few modifications, you'll be able to prevent back pains when driving.
Causes of Lower back Pain While Driving
Many factors lead to lower back pain after driving a long distance. These include:
1. Poor Posture
Maintaining a good posture when driving is essential. If you frequently sit in a poor posture for long periods when driving, this can lead to structural changes in your neck and back, which can strain your spine. This causes back pains since the muscles become too weak and unable to hold the spine in a neutral alignment.
The backs have been designed to move, so keeping them in a static and uncomfortable position for long when driving can lead to back pain. When a driver hunches the shoulders and head forward, this places extreme pressure on the spine's ligaments, soft tissues, bones, discs, and bones.
2. Support
Improper support in the car's seat may result in back pain. Also, sitting on your wallet when driving can cause imbalance on your hips, pelvis, and back thus leading to back pains.
3. Jarring and Vibrations
Frequent exposure to jarring and vibration when driving can lead to back pains. The natural resonant frequency of the lumbar spine is 4 to 5 Hz; however, when this natural frequency is excited by the vibration when driving, it can lead to lower back pain.
How to Prevent Back Pain When Driving
The following tips will help you cover long distances without experiencing back pains.
- Go Cruising
- Heat Your Seat
- Angle Your Car Seat
- Ice It Down
- Use Lumbar Support
- Stretch It Out
- Adjust Your Posture
Let’s have a deeper look on each tip.
1. Go Cruising
It's very safe to use cruise control and if your car has it, use it. Using cruise control enables one to put both feet on the car floor, thus promoting even weight distribution. Also, when using the cruise controls, your legs are in a bent position which helps support some weight. By using cruise control, you'll be able to take some load off the back, thus reducing the chances of back pains when driving for long distances.
2. Heat Your Seat
Heat therapy helps increase blood flow, thus relaxing back muscles and joints. If you're experiencing back pains when driving, you should heat your seat or place a heating pad behind your back or buy a heated seat cover for the driver's seat.
3. Angle Your Car Seat
Sitting in a comfortable posture is crucial to avoiding back pains when driving long distances. You should position the back of your seat at 100 to 100 degrees for you to sit comfortably. Ensure you're sitting on a flat surface by emptying your back pockets to ensure the weight is distributed equally.
You should also slide your seat forward or back to ensure your elbows are at 90 degrees or even more when positioning your hands on the wheel.
4. Ice It Down
Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and inflammation. If you're experiencing back pains when driving, you should stop for a stretch and then place an ice pack behind your back when sitting. Buy a few ice backs from the store and alternate between heat and cold therapy for quicker results.
5. Use Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is an important item to use when experiencing back pains due to driving for long hours. Lumbar support can be something simple like a rolled-up towel that you can place against your lower back for additional support since car seats don't support the back's natural shape.
6. Stretch It Out
Make regular stops after every hour and move around to stretch your body, especially the back. You can try reaching out to touch your toes or gentle twists as these two exercises help stretch the lower back. You can also roll your shoulders and neck from side to side for better stretching.
7. Adjust Your Posture
You should keep changing your posture throughout the journey because sitting in the same position can cause back pains. On top of changing your posture regularly, make sure to stop to stretch.
Bottom Line
If you're planning to travel for a long distance, you should be mindful of your back position when driving. Poor posture can lead to back pains and may limit you from enjoying your vacation. You can get your handicap parking placard online today.
