With three Bank Holidays and a half term at the end of the month, many people are planning to get away in their cars. This means spending more time behind the wheel for many drivers. Our chiropractors at City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke on Trent see many patients who suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain as a result of poor posture while driving. With so many of us spending long periods of time behind the wheel, it’s important to maintain good posture to prevent pain and injury.
In this blog post, our Stoke chiropractor will provide some tips and advice for maintaining good posture when driving.
Tip #1: Adjust your seat and steering wheel
The first step in maintaining good posture when driving is to make sure that your seat and steering wheel are properly adjusted. Your seat should be positioned so that your feet can comfortably reach the pedals and your knees are slightly bent. The back of your seat should be at a slight angle, with your shoulders resting against the backrest. Your steering wheel should be positioned so that your arms are slightly bent when holding the wheel.
Tip #2: Use a lumbar support cushion
Many cars come with built-in lumbar support, but if your car doesn’t have this feature, you can purchase a lumbar support cushion to place behind your back. This will help to maintain the natural curve of your spine and prevent slouching.
Tip #3: Keep your shoulders relaxed
When driving, it’s important to keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid hunching them forward. This can cause tension and pain in the shoulders and neck. Instead, keep your shoulders back and down, with your chest open.
Tip #4: Take breaks and stretch
Long periods of sitting can cause stiffness and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. To prevent this, it’s important to take breaks and stretch regularly. Try to take a break every hour or so and stretch your arms, shoulders, neck, and back.
Tip #5: Adjust your mirrors
Many drivers have a tendency to adjust their body position to get a better view of the road and traffic around, which can cause strain on the neck and back. Before driving off, ensure mirrors are adjusted to ensure a clear view around.
Tip #6: Avoid reaching for objects
Reaching for objects while driving, such as sunglasses or a drink, can cause strain on the neck and shoulders. To avoid this, make sure that items you will need are easily accessible before you start driving.
Tip #7: Engage your core muscles
Engaging your core muscles while driving can help to maintain good posture and prevent back pain. To engage your core, sit up straight and pull your belly button in towards your spine. Hold this position for a few seconds and release.
Tip #8: Wear comfortable shoes
Wearing uncomfortable shoes while driving, such as high heels or shoes with a thick sole, can cause strain on the feet, legs, and back. Instead, wear comfortable shoes with a flat sole.
Tip #9: Don’t slouch
Slouching while driving can cause strain on the back and neck. Instead, sit up straight and keep your shoulders back.
Tip #10: Get regular chiropractic care
Regular chiropractic care can help to maintain good posture and prevent pain and injury. Chiropractors can identify and treat imbalances in the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to improved posture and reduced pain.
In conclusion, maintaining good posture when driving is essential for preventing pain and injury. By following these tips and advice, you can maintain good posture and enjoy a comfortable and pain-free driving experience.
If you are experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain, consider seeking the care of our chiropractors in Stoke to identify and treat the underlying cause of your pain. You can book an appointment by calling our clinic on 01782 848 184 or you can book an appointment online here.