Why do drivers have back pain

Why do drivers have back pain and what to do about it.
After a long journey, many drivers complain of back pain. Auto Mail tells how to get rid of the unpleasant sensations and forget about this problem once and for all.

Why do drivers have back pain and what to do about it

Why does your back hurt?

There may be several reasons. The first and most obvious is diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In this case, only doctors, special corsets and medical massage can help.
The second reason (the most common) is an incorrect seating position behind the wheel. Have you noticed that many people sit half-reclining behind the wheel out of habit? This position is harmful to everyone - it is bad for safety and for the back.
So remember the lessons in driving school - the back is straight, legs at a slight angle, we do not reach the steering wheel. This position is the most optimal for the human body, which means that even after a long journey, the back will not ache and hurt.
The third reason is uncomfortable seats. Yes, yes, this happens. The seats in each car are made according to their own “patterns”, and they are not always successful. Before buying a new car, you should pay attention not only to the technical characteristics, design and equipment, but also to ergonomics. Your comfort and safety directly depend on this.

How to get rid of back pain

On a long trip, it is recommended to make short stops to just stretch and rest. Do not spare five to ten minutes for short pit stops, for which your back will only thank you. During stops, it is worth doing a few decompression exercises. Simply put, stretch properly.
In the most difficult cases, orthopedic car seats will help. They are not cheap, and you will also have to pay for reinstalling the standard seat. However, such expenses will pay off over time.
If the car has a massage function, do not forget to use it. Even a small warm-up will help avoid back pain.

What do doctors advise?

“Drivers, especially professional ones, are really at risk for back pain. The point is, of course, in statics and a long absence of movement. A person drives in one position, does not change it, does not go out to stretch, does not do gymnastics. Of course, you can expect that his spine will suffer. Muscles become numb, the exchange of synovial fluid is disrupted. All this contributes to back pain.
If you are bothered by back pain that does not go away even after painkillers, you should immediately consult a doctor. Self-medication in this case is dangerous. People turn to relatives to straighten their vertebrae, it all ends badly, as a rule. Therefore - do you feel back pain? Do not wait, consult a doctor.
It is better, of course, to work on prevention. To do this, you should set a special schedule for warm-ups. Older drivers should get out of the car every half hour. Those who are younger - once every 1.5-2 hours. Well, and remember about mandatory gymnastics 2 times a day. These are not some complicated exercises, just a light set of therapeutic exercises for 10 minutes. Plus you can add swimming 2 times a week. Well, and take preventive massage courses twice a year.".

The biggest causes of back pain when driving are poor posture and sitting stationary for extended periods of time. While driving, keep your back straight and your weight evenly distributed across the seat. Read these crucial notes about the optimal driving position for back pain.