Driving has been known to cause back pain, even for those who do not typically deal with chronic discomfort. The way you sit in the driver’s seat can strain your back, especially if it’s for long periods of time. This pain can affect your ability to enjoy your journey and to drive safely with your focus on the road. Ensure a more comfortable drive with some preventive measures.

How to Prevent Back Pain on the Road

1. Use a Pillow

If you expect a long drive, roll up a blanket, or place a pillow on the small of your back. This will push your lower back forward along with the natural curvature of your spine, so the vertebrae stack on each other properly. There are specialized pillows designed for this that can be attached to your seat, so invest in one if you use this strategy often.

2. Move the Steering Wheel

You can adjust your steering wheel, but many people don’t do this. You want your elbows at or just above 90 degrees when your hands are resting on the wheel at the 10 and 2 positions.

On longer trips, you can try moving the steering wheel up and down a little or moving your hands to a different position on the wheel to give the joints some rest.

3. Keep Your Head Forward

Your seat should not be reclined back too far since this will strain your head and neck as you hold it forward. Your backrest should make contact up to your shoulders, at an angle between 100 and 110 degrees. Adjust the headrest, so the back of your head hits the middle of the cushion.

If your back pain persists, Eastern Hills Chiropractic can help. This chiropractic care clinic in Cincinnati, OH, has been treating patients with lower back pain since 1988. They use a variety of techniques to manipulate the spine, providing natural and effective relief. Their comprehensive care includes massage therapy for quicker and longer-lasting results. Learn more on their website and call (513) 528-2200 to schedule an appointment.