Travelling long distances in the car can potentially cause back pain. The last thing you want when travelling to a holiday destination or a special family event, is to arrive in so much pain that you can’t enjoy your trip. These suggestions will help you to be proactive in preventing that from happening. The guidelines suggested will also enable you to take care of yourself on car journeys, if you do start to experience backache.

Share Driving

Although car journeys can also cause passengers back pain, it’s usually the driver that’s affected the most. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to share driving when travelling long distances. Motorway driving in particular can take its toll on your back and since most long distance travel involves precisely that, it’s worth taking preventative measures. Maintaining your foot on the accelerator for a prolonged period of time can cause your back to seize up.

Take Breaks

Even if you’re not able to share the driving, you can at least ensure that you have sufficient breaks during your journey. Taking regular breaks not only helps you to stay alert while driving, but also allows your body to change position, thus making it less likely that you will injure yourself. Such breaks can also be used to do simple stretching exercises that will be beneficial for your back. Keeping hydrated has also been shown to help prevent build-up of pain.

In order to allow yourself time to take the necessary breaks, it’s important to set out in good time and allow plenty of time for unforeseen traffic congestion.

Automatic car

If you have to travel long distances on a regular basis and back pain is already something of a problem for you, then many find switching to an automatic car beneficial. This frees you from having to use the clutch pedal and from having to change gears.

Adjust car seat and use extra support if necessary

The advantage of car seats is that they are generally made to be ergonomic. However, it can often be beneficial to buy a special cushion or even use a rolled up towel. Placing it behind your lower back can help to keep you comfortable during the journey. Drivers should adjust their seats so as to easily reach the pedals and steering wheel, while maintaining knees and elbows slightly bent.

TalarMade have a great range of back supports that are ideal for use in the car.  You may also find that wearing a lumbar support helps relieve back pain.