On a daily basis, people inadvertently place excessive strain on their spine. Desk jobs and even simple actions like sitting in front of a computer can lead to back and neck problems over time. We’ve seen many patients from Temecula, CA and surrounding communities come to our practice for chiropractic adjustments to alleviate neck and back pain. Many times, their problems are the result of common activities like the ones we previously mentioned.

For example, were you aware that sitting in your car and commuting can lead to lower back pain? It’s true. Commuting can impact your lumbar region. Let’s explore this issue in greater detail and offer some tips to help ease the stress on your back while you’re behind the wheel.

Back Pain and Your Car Seat

Commuting for hours on end each week can tax your patience and take a toll on your back. While sitting in a vehicle, people rarely maintain the natural S-shaped curve of the spine, which results in extra strain on the vertebrae and discs of the lower back. The vibration of the vehicle and the jolting of stop-and-go traffic can also lead to pressure on the spine. What’s more, using the brake and gas pedals can straighten out the legs while driving, which leads to movement of the pelvis and potential lower back problems.

Additional stress may be placed on the upper back and spine as well as the shoulders. This is often the result of craning the neck and gripping the steering wheel.

How Sitting in the Car Affects Your Spine Over Time

While these actions are not harmful per se, the daily stress on the body can take its toll. After years of driving, your lower back, neck, and other parts of your spine may be worn down. This can lead to aches and pains as well as problems with mobility.

Thankfully, there are ways to prevent this from happening and to reduce the amount of strain on your back in the long run.

How to Sit in Your Car to Prevent Back Pain

When adjusting your seat for an ideal sitting position, consider the following:

• Angle your seat back to 100 degrees
• Angle your seat bottom upwards at 5 degrees
• Angle your head rest to support the back of your head
• If lumbar support is available in your vehicle, make sure it presses against your lower back
• Position your steering wheel so it can be easily reached with bent arms at 2 and 10
• Avoid sitting far away from the pedals to prevent strain on the hamstrings and pelvis
• Make sure your thighs are supported by as much of the seat bottom as possible

Tips to Prevent Back Pain and Improve Lumbar Support

One of the best ways to ease strain on your lower back is to take breaks on long drives. Rather than complete a long drive in a single sitting, consider getting out at rest areas or parking lots to stand up and walk. Changing your position like this can help alleviate stress on the spine, and result in fewer issues with back and neck pain over time.

If your vehicle does not have lumbar support, lumbar support devices can be purchased. Sometimes a pillow resting against the lower back will suffice.

Learn More about Relieving Back Pain

For more information about preventing back and neck pain and improving overall wellness in the process, be sure to contact an experienced chiropractor. During your visit, you will be able to learn more about adjustments and pain relief options.