How Car Back Supports Help Back Pain When Driving

Planning a road trip this summer?

Summer is when many of us take to the road. We travel longer distances to take our family on vacation or visit family in other parts of the country.

Maybe you are a frequent long-distance driver. If so, carry on reading and find out how you can alleviate and prevent back discomfort when driving.

Get Comfortable From The Start

If you frequently drive long distances, you probably know how important it is to get comfortable right from the start.

You don’t want to get so comfortable that you fall asleep. However, you certainly want to make sure you are ready to drive for longer without experiencing pain or discomfort.

One of the first things you should do is ensure your seat is well-adjusted. Most modern cars have a multitude of seat adjustments you can make. Using a lumbar support is advised if you need that extra help. 

Sitting in your seat, check that your arms are placed comfortably on the steering wheel. Your elbows should not be in a “locked” position. This can easily cause cramps in your arms which can transition to the upper back.

Also, make sure your seat is adjusted so that you can reach the pedals easily. You don’t want to struggle when it comes to braking or changing gear. The pedals should easily go right to the floor.

Don’t forget to check your rearview mirror. Is it adjusted so that you can easily see what is behind you without twisting your neck? We often forget about adjusting our rearview mirror when we set out on a longer journey.

Physical Support When Driving

When you know you have experienced back pain problems in the past, it is a good idea to remedy the issue before it becomes a problem.

Don’t forget poor circulation can lead to problems when driving longer distances. These days, you can buy all sorts of easy-to-use back supports for driving.

A ventilated support cushion covering the sitting part of the seat and the backrest keeps you both cool and comfortable.

You can also buy memory foam cushions to put on your seat. They are great when you struggle to find a good seating position while driving.

Don’t forget that fellow car passengers may also struggle with comfort. It is just as important to make sure they are comfortable. A long-distance drive across the country can mean investing in support for the passengers as well as for the driver.

Take Frequent Breaks

Should you stop to take breaks?

While it is tempting to get somewhere quickly, you should try to stop and take breaks.

If you are not used to long-distance driving, you may find it affects you in ways you would not expect. Experiencing stiffness for a couple of days after a long drive is not unusual.

Most of the time, longer discomfort is due to poor circulation affecting your muscles.

The best remedy is to stop and take breaks. You don’t need to do yoga, but stopping to stretch is a good idea.

Also, consider going for a short, brisk walk. Walking with your arms swinging is one of the best ways to boost circulation.

Take deep breaths to fill your lungs with freshly oxygenated air. Once you have done that, you should be good to go again.

Empty Your Pockets

Keeping your pockets empty seems like a piece of ridiculous advice. However, it does make a difference.

When we drive shorter distances, most of us keep things like keys in our pockets. That’s okay but different rules apply when you drive for longer.

Before you know it, you start to feel those keys are “digging” into you. It is not pleasant for a short period of time. During longer drives, that sensation may become a serious niggle.

When you get into the car, put the keys in the storage space in the car door. That way, you can drive without having to worry about the sensation of keys sticking into your side or groin area.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Women who don’t have dedicated driving shoes often wear high heels for driving around town or running errands.

However, driving shorter distances, and wearing your favorite heels is fine. But. it is not what you should do when you drive for more extensive periods.

A pair of flat shoes or shoes with a slight heel give you a better driving position. The right pair of shoes helps you to maintain a better driving position for longer.

Check Your Driving Position

It is easy to start to change your driving position or driving style.

If you find yourself experiencing tension in your upper back, it could mean your hands are not positioned right on the steering wheel.

Driving shorter distances with your hands on the upper part of the steering wheel is okay. But, when you attempt to do so for longer distances, you risk experiencing arm, neck or even upper back pain.

Check your driving position. You should sit with your back straight against the seat. The back of your knees should comfortably rest on the edge of the driver’s seat.

If you find you have slumped down in the seat, re-adjust yourself. Many long-distance drivers hold onto the lower part of the steering wheel instead. Driving on high-speed roads often means you turn the steering wheel less.

Wrapping It Up

A good driving position that gives posture support over long distances ensures you arrive feeling fresher when you reach your destination.

There is nothing worse than arriving feeling tired or with a terrible backache. Before setting out on your road trip this summer, ensure you have the best driving support. If you are unsure your car offers the best lumbar support, consider investing in one.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that support your driving position. Don’t forget to remind the passengers they should ensure they are comfortable as well.

Don’t forget to take frequent breaks and keep yourself fuelled up with light snacks and water. Drive safely and remember fatigue affects your driving.