Ways to Relieve Back Pain While Driving

Florida is called the Sunshine State for good reasons. For most of the year, the weather is incredibly desirable and warm. It is the ideal climate to hit the open road with the windows down, enjoying life. However, persistent back pain can take away some of that joy. Driving can be one of the most uncomfortable activities to engage in if you have significant back issues because you may be stuck in a stationary position for a prolonged period of time. 

A few simple back pain relief tips while driving can be helpful the next time you launch out on a road trip. Although it might not be possible to eliminate all of your back pain while driving, you can at least find some relief by using a number of tried and true strategies from Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery. 

Consider Using Lumbar Support 

Providing extra lumbar support to your back while driving can significantly reduce the amount of back strain that you might suffer while driving. 

These lumbar support systems assist in keeping your spine aligned the way that it should be. They make it less likely that you will slouch while driving, and that alone can prevent a lot of the back pain that you have previously experienced. When selecting the lumbar support system that is right for you, consider the following attributes to keep in mind: 

• Support: The amount of support that the material provides you is key to the value that you get out of it. 
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation in your lumbar support system is the best way to ensure that you keep cool and comfortable while driving.
• Adjustability: The adjustability of your lumbar support material adds extra value to whichever one you decide to go with. 
• Material: The highest quality materials should go into creating the lumbar system that you purchase. In particular, memory foam is an ideal choice for your lumbar support. 

These are all qualities that you should think about when selecting the lumbar system that you will use while driving. 

Take Frequent Stretch Breaks 

It is all too easy to get mesmerized by the idea of getting to your desired destination as rapidly as you possibly can. Some people even make a game out of trying to get where they are going in as little time as possible. However, this is not the healthiest choice. 

The Road Trip Expert recommends that you stop for at least 15 minutes break every two hours that you are on the road. Ideally, you will accumulate 45 minutes worth of stretch breaks for every 4-5 hours of drive time. This gives you ample time to stretch your back, legs, and other parts of your body. You can also use these breaks to get a meal or snack, use the restroom, and perhaps switch drivers. It is good both for your back and also as a mental reset while you are out on the road. 

Change Your Steering Wheel Grip

There was a piece of old wisdom passed down for generations about where to place one’s hands on the steering wheel while driving. The rule of thumb used to be that one should put their hands at the “10 and 2 position on the wheel”. This referred to putting your hands at the positions on the wheel that would be the same as the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions on a clock. However, the thinking on that has changed. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommends a different strategy for all drivers. They now recommend that all drivers put their hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Not only is this better for your back, but it can also keep your hands out of the way in the event that your airbag gets deployed if you are involved in an accident. 

Reach Out to Our Experts at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Today

Our skilled experts at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide all of our clients with the answers that they need for their back pain. You can contact us online to get set up with an appointment and start to learn about the strategies that you can use to find relief from your back pain.

We can also be reached at (855) 853-6542 to set up an appointment. Get in touch with us today to help alleviate any back pain symptoms you may be experiencing.