Board of your Commute!? Your body may not like it much either!

Author - Melissa Folly

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Board of your Commute!? Your body may not like it much either!  

 Driving 

Driving can be a key trigger of back pain. Sitting down can put twice as much pressure on the spine as standing up. This is due the way the natural curve of the spine is altered when sitting.  

Many people will share a car and often this means that the seat, mirrors and height of the steering wheel are altered regularly.  Make sure you adjust to meet your individual requirements. This will not only improve your comfort in the car but also your safety. Below are some tips on making your commute a little less uncomfortable.  

Lower Back Support - A good amount of support here will ensure that the spine is supported in an optimum position, reducing the pressure. If your car doesn’t offer enough you enough you can buy lumbar supports to attach.  

Head Support - This should always be behind the head, NOT the neck. The proper position can be vital if an accident were to occur.  

Mirrors - Its important that you can see them adequately with minimum neck movement.  

Steering Wheel - It can be adjusted in most cars and can help take tension off the shoulders and mid back. Keep your elbows slightly bent and try and keep both hands in the same place to ensure symmetry.  

Seat Position - elbows and knees should have a slight bend and the knees should be at the same height or lower then the hips. 

Public Transport 

- If you mainly stand on your commute, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold onto a rail comfortably, avoid over stretching. 

- If you do get a seat, relax when sitting into your chair. Avoid keeping looking out of the window for the whole journey as it will put strain on your neck, alternate its position.  

 - If using a laptop, don’t sit in the same position for long periods, as you are looking down onto the screen with your head unsupported. Rest the laptop on a table, not on your lap, arms should be flat and your elbows level with the desk or table you are using. 

Muscles and joints are designed for movement so, where possible, walk as it will help improve muscle tone, improve circulation and posture. 

If your require any further Information or would like to book in for a Chiropractic Assessment please contact us: T: 01600 890 282 M: 07726 297813          E:[email protected] W:www.shireschiropracticclinic.co.uk