Is Your Car Seat Causing You Pain?
Unlike normal seating, when a vehicle is in motion your body is subjected to different forces. These are typically acceleration, stopping/starting and lateral movement swaying from side to side and up and down over bumps. Your )feet are constantly moving on the brake/clutch/accelerator pedals.
Do you have difficulty reversing due to stiff neck and shoulders?
Or low back pain after driving for long periods?
You may need to adjust your car seat …
3 tips to improve your posture and safety in the car:
1. Your seatbelt should be sitting over your pelvic bones rather than your stomach to prevent internal injuries. It should be in contact with your shoulder to prevent serious neck injury. Sitting too far from the belt can lead to slipping under the belt, risking catastrophic injuries.
2. Head restraints work by catching and supporting your head during a rear-end crash. Your head restraint should be as close to the back of your head as possible and as high as the top of your head.
3. The steering wheel should be at least 12 inches away from you to avoid receiving the full force of an airbag deployment, (which can be over 200mph, in a front-end collision.
If you have pain or stiffness in your back, shoulder or neck, call the Shefford Osteopathic Clinic on 01462 811006 to make an appointment. We can offer advice about your driving position and alleviate unnecessary pain.
Drive comfortably and be safe!