No Products in the Cart
Whether it’s the daily commute, a road trip, or just being stuck in traffic, spending hours in the car can sometimes feel more like you’re riding in a torture chamber, especially if you have existing issues with back pain, right? Well the good news is, there are lots of things you can do to reduce the impact your vehicle has on your back. Sound good? Below are our top tips to reduce back pain while driving right now.
By the way, numbers 1,2,8,13,14 can all be solved by our Seat Jackers. Read on to learn more!
Adjusting your seat is probably the first thing you should try when you are looking to reduce back pain while driving. This can be more of an art than a science, so you might have to try out various positions to see what works for you but, if you can find a position that allows you to sit in such a way that your back is supported, and you can easily reach the pedals and steering wheel without stretching, then this should help.
You can get fancy with a purpose-made lumbar cushion, or DIY with a rolled-up towel. Place it behind your lower back for that “ahh” moment. It’ll help maintain the natural curve of your spine and discourage slouching.
Reaching for the steering wheel shouldn’t be a daily stretch exercise. Adjust the wheel so you can keep your elbows slightly bent. Having it too far away can cause you to lean forward, straining your back, shoulders, and neck. You want to feel like the wheel is coming to you, not the other way around.
On longer drives, take breaks. Yes, stopping might add time to your journey, but your back will thank you for it. Every hour or so, pull over, get out, and stretch. Touch your toes, reach for the sky, and do the twist—whatever shakes out the stiffness. Your back is like that needy friend; sometimes, it just needs a little attention.
Enter the game-changer: Seat Jackers. These nifty gadgets from Desert Does It elevate the front of your seat, providing a better angle for your hips and spine. This subtle lift can reduce the strain on your lower back by aligning your posture closer to its natural state. It’s like giving your back a first-class ticket.
Your wallet or phone in your back pocket might be the culprit behind your back pain. Sitting on these can tilt your pelvis and twist your spine, and not in a fun dance-move kind of way. Remove everything from your back pockets to keep your hips level and your spine straight.
Gripping the steering wheel like you’re trying to strangle it can increase tension in your shoulders and upper back. Relax your grip. Hold the wheel firmly but gently—like you would hold a tub of your favorite ice cream.
Don’t forget about where you rest your feet. If your car allows, adjust the pedal position so you’re not reaching or cramping. Your feet should rest comfortably, allowing your legs to support your lower back.
That seat belt can also be a sneaky source of discomfort. Make sure it’s not too tight or cutting across your body at odd angles. Adjust your seat belt height and latch position to ensure it snugly secures you without adding pressure to your shoulder or hip.
Yes, even hydration can affect your back. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and stiffness. Keep a water bottle in your car and sip regularly. Your discs (the cushions between your spine’s vertebrae) will appreciate the hydration boost!
If your car has heated seats, use them to help relax the muscles in your back. A little heat therapy while driving can help reduce pain and stiffness. It’s like having a mini spa session in traffic.
A steering wheel cover not only adds a touch of personal flair to your car's interior but also can provide additional grip and comfort. Choose a cover with a soft, padded texture to reduce the amount of grip strength needed, which helps lessen tension in your hands, wrists, shoulders, and back as you steer.
If your car seat lacks the necessary support or doesn't fully adjust to your liking, consider adding a wedge cushion. These cushions tilt your pelvis forward, promoting a more natural spinal alignment, which can significantly alleviate lower back stress. It's an easy and relatively inexpensive way to customize your seat for better posture and comfort.
While adjustments and accessories can help, maintaining good posture is key to preventing back pain. Keep your chin pulled in and shoulders back, avoiding a forward slump or lean. This position supports your upper back and neck, reducing the risk of pain due to poor posture.
Long periods of driving can also strain your neck. Adding a neck support pillow, particularly for longer drives, can help keep your cervical spine in a neutral position, preventing the strain that leads to pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders.
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to strengthen your back muscles and enhance flexibility. Activities like yoga, Pilates, or simple stretching exercises improve your overall posture and can make a significant difference in your comfort levels while driving.
When driving, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your mirrors are adjusted in such a way that you do not have to twist or strain your body in order to see in them. When doing this, remember you need to be able to see from all angles. This will not only help to reduce back pain, but also neck strain too, and it only takes seconds to do, so why not?
If you're frequently experiencing severe back pain despite all efforts, it might be wise to consult with a physical therapist. They can provide personalized exercises and posture tips tailored specifically to your needs. Additionally, they might suggest new ways to set up your driving space or recommend therapeutic accessories.
As you can see, driving doesn’t have to be a pain in the back. With the right setup, some smart accessories like Seat Jackers, and a few simple changes to your driving habits, you can turn your ride into a comfy, pain-free place to be!
