Our top tips for avoiding back pain in the car!

Written by Jessica Fidoe on 24th September 2018

If you’re someone that suffers from back pain in the car, you’re not the only one! In fact, 4 out of 5 of us suffer from it. And whilst driving and being in the car is not the sole reason for the pain, it can certainly aggravate the problem.

Rishi Loatey, from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) said:

“The trouble is cars are designed for the average person. But we are all shapes and sizes.” 

And many experts echo this same thought. However, with advancements in our vehicles, manufacturers are certainly trying to give us more adjustable seating with more freedom than ever before. Which is why it is so important to stop and truly look at your vehicle and the position of your seat. Whether you are the driver or the passenger, it’s important no matter where you sit. 

We know how easy it is to just jump in the car when you’re late for work, or rushing to take the children to school, or just too excited to drive to the airport for that much needed holiday. Despite this, taking that extra 5 minutes to re-adjust your seat in the car is so important and could really help alleviate your back pain.  

Here are our top 5 simple suggestions of the little things you can do to avoid back pain in the car!

  1. Ensure that your hips aren’t higher than your knees! If they are, adjust your seat accordingly as this can put pressure on the discs in the lower back! An 100-degree angle is said to be the best for this
  2. Take more breaks! The human body wasn’t designed to sit down for long periods of time, so if you are on a long journey, make sure you are getting out to stretch 
  3. Make sure you can reach the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent, if you’re over-reaching, bring that chair closer
  4. Check those mirrors! You shouldn’t have to move or twist to see them. Remember that you should only have to move your eyes to be able to see out of them. Our tip is to adjust them when you are sitting up straight, this way you’ll know instantly if you are slouching 
  5. Don’t put a phone or wallet in your back pocket as this can slightly misalign your spine - it may not seem noticeable but over time this can worsen back pain 

So, whether you are driving your own vehicle or hiring a vehicle for a weekend, always make sure you are taking care of your back before you head off on the road! Have more questions on hiring a vehicle? Don't worry - head over to our FAQ'S page! 

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