Millions of motorists are putting themselves at risk of neck and back pain because of an incorrect driving position, according to Citroen and the British Chiropractic Association (BCA).
Recent research by BCA has shown that more than 5.5 million UK motorists could be suffering from driving-related pain. In a survey of 2,066 UK adults, an astonishing 80 per cent said that they were suffering from back and neck issues, with 13 per cent of those people believing driving was the trigger.
BCA says that the body is not designed to be in a sitting position for too long, and a poor seat set-up can result in tension within drivers’ muscles, with blood flow restricted in some cases.
They also recommend pushing your back against the backrest so that your spine rests on the in-built lumbar support, and adjust the steering wheel so that your hands can rest on it with only a slight bend – stretching out in front of you is bad.
Wearing soft-soled shoes is also recommended, as high heels and thick soles can limit the movement of the legs and cause discomfort. And finally, taking regular breaks on long trips helps give your body a rest from sitting for too long.
When was the last time you checked your car seat position? Our #toptips could help make your drive more comfortable! https://t.co/6W9HsGmFxF
— BCA (@ChiropracticUK) November 9, 2017
Tim Button, BCA chiropractor and ergonomic consultant, said; “Many of my patients have complained of neck or back pain when driving, particularly on long journeys, so it’s important that people are aware of the best ways to protect their back health while in their car.”
The news comes as millions of people are set to hit the roads this bank holiday weekend. Research by the RAC suggests that more than 19 million leisure journeys will take place this Easter.
