How to Maintain Great Driving Posture

Millions of Americans suffer from muscle pain and tension from stress, work, and long distance driving.  Watching a coworker roll their neck is common in the workplace. The simple issue of not moving causes muscles to shorten and tighten over time, causing pain.  Another reason for bad posture is that most individuals’ drive with the right leg and hip externally rotated with the knee slightly bent. In this position, mild nerve root irritation in the lower back can cause pain to follow in the hip, knee and foot.  How do you remedy the situation?  There are a couple of ways:

·      Rotate the hip slightly inwards, causing your leg to be more in line with your body.  Try this strategy on a long trip and you should get some relief.

·      Change positions slightly during the trip.  Variations in your seating position can help blood flow.

·      Adjust seat accordingly because damage to the spine can occur when you fail to adjust the seat correctly.  Slouching behind the wheel on frequent trips or for long periods of time can cause back and spinal pain.  Long term stress to the joints and muscles in the lower area of the spine, stretching your legs to reach the pedals or muscle fatigue can all be factors.

So, what IS the right position?  Follow these steps to practicing GREAT driving posture:

·      Firm Car Seat – adjusts to your body shape with firm contact

·      130% Knee Angle – should be maintained.  You shouldn’t have to overstretch your legs to operate the pedals.

·      Upright or Slightly Reclining Position – is ideal.  It causes less stress on the back and reduces the effects of vibration.

·      Automatic Vehicles – If you already have existing back problems, an automatic car would cause less stress on the spine than a manual vehicle.

·      Adjusted Steering Wheel – Choose the correct height and reach that provides optimum flexibility.

·      Headrest Properly Positioned – the top of the head restraint should be level with the top of the driver’s head or at least no lower than eye level to prevent whiplash injuries.

Have any to add? Feel free in the comment section below!