Driving towards neck and back pain!

We’re in the midst of a sitting epidemic and new research finds that driving is the most common form of transport to and from work - with forty-seven percent of people having a sedentary commute by driving every day.  Lushington Chiropractic are encouraging drivers to think about their backs when behind the wheel - warning that sitting in the same position for long periods of time is a leading cause of neck and back pain. For those looking to build more movement into their working day, inspiration may be found in the active eighteen percent of people who spend the main part of their commute walking, with some choosing to run in. 

If you have no choice but to be stuck behind the wheel, Lushington Chiropractic offers the following top tips to ease the strain of driving: 
• Sit correctly in your seat. Make sure you have your bottom against the seat back with your shoulder blades touching the back rest of the chair. The seat should be set slightly backwards, so that it feels natural and your elbows should be at a comfortable and relaxed angle for driving. • Feet should fall naturally onto the pedals. You should be able to press the pedals to the floor by mainly moving your ankle and only using your leg a little. Avoid wearing wear high heels, or very thick-soled shoes, as you will have to over-extend the ankle in order to put pressure on the pedals. • Exercise while stuck in traffic. Try buttock clenches, side bends, seat braces (pushing your hands into the steering wheel and your back into the seat - tensing and relaxing) as well as shoulder shrugs and circles. • Mirrors. Set your mirror positions to suit you before you drive off. The mirror positions should allow you to see all around the car with the movement of your eyes with minimal head movement. • Relax. A relaxed driving position reduces stress on the spine, allowing your seat to take your weight. • Ditch the car. Muscles and joints are designed for movement so, where possible, walk or cycle as it will help improve muscle tone, circulation and posture - helping to ensure a pain free commute. Health Tips provided by Lushington Chiropractic: Don’t let aches and pains stop you from enjoying yourself. Lushington Chiropractic offer gentle, effective, award winning chiropractic care to help ease a wide range of muscle, joint and sciatica type problems. They will personally tailor your treatment and have you running around again in no time. Lushington Chiropractic 01323 722499