Driver or Passenger

KEEP MOVING

It's not just the driver who can stiffen up in a car.
Passengers are often seated for long periods of time in a fixed position.

Movement is the key for car, driver and passenger.

As a passenger, try to alter your position from time to time and sit with your knees bent and thighs level and comfortable. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed; move them regularly.

For driver and passengers, stop regularly especially when feeling tired. Get out of your vehicle and walk around it several times.

Stretch like a cat, gently moving your arms around, bringing your knees up to your hips, and stretching your whole body.

 

Back pain Sufferers

• Choose a car with an adjustable lumbar support (and use it).
• Choose a car with a higher kerb height to make getting in and out less stressful on the spine.
• Depressing the clutch increases intradiscal pressure so choose an automatic to avoid this.
• Power steering also significantly reduces the load on the spine.

 

Remember

• Prevention is better than cure. Sit properly, drive relaxed.
• Osteopaths can advise on posture.
• Osteopaths treat neck and back pain - and a great many other things as well.
• If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a road accident osteopathy can help relieve the pain of injury, especially whiplash-type injuries.