Daily commutes, trips around town, and long drives can all take a toll on your back. Chronic pain can make driving unbearable and go on to impact every other aspect of your life. It’s important to protect yourself while you’re behind the wheel and to seek physical therapy when needed. Use the helpful tips below, so you avoid chronic pain on the road.

How to Protect Your Back While Driving

1. Watch Your Wallet

A thick, overpacked wallet in your back pocket will immediately create discomfort while driving. It moves your pelvis and spine out of an even position, which is going to strain muscles. Over time, you may develop back pain even when you aren’t driving, so get rid of that wallet.

2. Have Everything Positioned Correctly

The less shifting and twisting you have to do, the better. When you get in, position the rear mirror so you can see clearly out the back of the car without having to crane or twist your neck. You should be able to see well in the side mirrors without having to twist as well.

The seat position is also important. Adjust it so you sit up straight with a small recline—many people find that 10 degrees past 90 works well. This keeps your neck and back supported. While driving, use cruise control when possible to give your body a break, and always find the most comfortable position before taking off.

3. Stop & Move Around

If you’re going on a road trip and will be spending a lot of time behind the wheel, plan to make stops so you can get out and stretch. The longer you sit, the tenser your muscles are going to get.

Going on a short stroll at the gas station or stretching at a rest area keeps your muscles and joints loose, so you’re less likely to deal with temporary or chronic pain.

4. Use a Towel for Back Support

If you’re already dealing with chronic pain and need extra back support, roll up a towel and tuck it just about your hips in your lower back. This will provide more support to keep your spine aligned and muscles relaxed.

If you’ve recently suffered an injury or are dealing with chronic pain, contact the team at Evergreen Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center. This Sheffield Village, OH, physical rehabilitation center offers a variety of services for pain management and recovery. They can address car accident injuries, neck and back pain, and more—all of which you can explore on their website. Call (440) 240-9111 to schedule a consultation and connect on Facebook to receive more health tips.