Avoid the Pain of Driving

Most of us think that driving really does not have a great impact on our bodies, but driving for an extended period of time on a regular basis without changing position is not good.

Sitting and driving for a long time can lead to aches, pains, and stiffness.  

The main causes of driving-related injuries is sitting for long periods of time and whole-body vibration.  

Driving has a negative impact on your back.  The sitting position flattens out the small of your back and put pressure on the discs in your spine.  The discs in your spine are also not able to handle the vibrations.  The ligaments in your back can stretch when you sit for a long time.  

Stresses on your discs and ligaments can increase your risk for back injury.  

While driving whole-body vibrations are experienced  this triggers sudden back muscle activity resulting in neck and back muscles getting  tired more easily, and in turn decreases the support the muscles can provide to the spine.  

Injuries or discomfort are also caused by:

•    Poor posture - personal habit, or from a poorly adjusted or fitted seat

•    Stress or tension

•    Holding the gas pedal down for a long time

•    The continuous upper back and neck muscle work that is required to hold the head in position, especially if there is vibration

•    Low frequency whole- body vibration from the moving vehicle or more severe up- and down- vibrations experienced when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.

Tips to help avoid the potential health hazards of driving

•    Adjust your seat and steering wheel to ensure you:
    o can reach the steering wheel without stretching your arms (leave 25 - 30 cm or 10 -12 in. between the steering wheel and your chest (breast bone) for the air bag to deploy if necessary),
    o can press the foot pedals without moving your lower back forward off the seat back,
    o can comfortably reach the controls,
    o have sufficient headroom, and
    o sit high enough to see out the front and side windows and have a good view of the instruments, gauges, and all mirrors.
•    Tilt the seat cushion until your thighs are supported along the full length of the cushion without pressure at the back of your knees.
•    Tilt your seat a notch or two back and forth every 20-30 minutes to change the direction of vibration on your body, if this can be done safely.
•    Keep your suspension system in good working order and, if necessary, add extra padding over your seat to absorb vibration.
•    Use a lumbar support to help you fit the back rest to your back - a rolled up towel in the right place will work just fine.
•    Use good posture - try not to slouch.
•    Stop and take regular rest/stretch breaks for several minutes every hour or two.

Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-12-16 11:32:21

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