A sizable portion of the population suffers from neck pain. While it may result from injuries or illnesses, it may also be brought on by exertion on the neck’s supporting muscles, nerves, or bones. And common activities that cause a stiff neck include keeping your head extended and using your arms and upper body for a long time; driving a car fits this description well.
Most of us travel by car to work. Here’s how to lessen stress and avoid neck pain while traveling there and back because you probably already have enough to worry about once you arrive at your job. If you are facing some major issue with neck than visit neck pain osteopath.
Staying Pain-Free While Driving: avoid neck pain
Neck pain can be exacerbated by the stress brought on by prolonged driving concentration. By making changes to your pre-drive routine and driving style, you can avoid neck pain.
Maintain a good driving posture
Take the wheel with a good driving stance. The ideal angle for the back of your seat is 100 degrees or just slightly less than straight. Grasp the steering wheel with both hands at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, and rest your elbows comfortably on the armrests.
Support your head
Hold your head steady. Set your headrest and Car pillow set so that the middle of your head is touched by it.
Support the lower back
To avoid neck pain your lower back needs support. If your car seat has lumbar support, adjust it to occupy the space at the base of your back; if not, a small pillow put against the bottom of your seat back will keep your spine in the proper position from the tailbone to the neck. Additionally, check that your seat is positioned so that you can lean forward without having to move it from the steering wheel.
Adjust mirrors
Adapt your mirrors. Don’t move your head around to see clearly; instead, give yourself the broadest field of vision possible with all of your mirrors.
Avoid eye strain
Reduce eye strain. When you’re driving, poor vision can cause eyestrain and make you crane your neck forward, which strains your neck muscles. You should have your vision examined if you find yourself straining while driving. It may seem obvious, but keeping your windshield clean will improve your vision. Use sunglasses with maximum UV protection if you drive in direct sunlight.
Cruise along highway
Go fast on the highway. With cruise control, you can put your feet up and relieve some of the strain on your back while driving on lengthy stretches of highway.
Take some break
Enjoy a break. Pull into the following rest area if you start to experience neck pain, or stiffness, or would prefer to avoid it altogether. Stretching and walking can help you loosen up.
Change hand posture
Driving instructors instruct us to hold our hands in the 10 to 2 position at all times. The safest hand position is most likely this one. And it does make it simpler to turn the steering wheel when parking or rounding corners. On the other hand, for lengthy drives where there aren’t many turns, we actually advise making small modifications to reduce neck and shoulder pain. The 8 to 4 position for your hands on the steering wheel is much preferable. Your neck and shoulder blades may feel less tense when your hands are on the lower part of the steering wheel.
Purchase a lumbar support pillow
Lack of lumbar support is probably to blame if you experience both neck and back pain. The muscles that support the spine tense up as a result. If your vehicle lacks lumbar support, you can always purchase lumbar support pillows online. You can prevent your lower back muscles from being overworked and strained by using a lumbar support pillow. This can also assist your lumbar spine in regaining its natural curve if you slouch all the time. You’ll successfully get rid of any indication of back pain!
Dont stress out while driving
As we previously stated, we experience a lot of stress while driving, which increases the tension in our bodies. Try to mentally note when you start to feel restless or when you feel a little bit of anger toward the road building inside of you.
Then, force yourself to calm down. Relax your neck and shoulders, and release the tension in your arms and jaw. Play some music, drink some water, and have a snack. Keeping yourself well-hydrated and fed can help you have a little bit more stamina when traveling long distances because stress is frequently caused by a lack of energy.
Conclusion-
To avoid neck pain while driving, consider investing in accessories for car from carorbis such as ergonomic neck pillows, seat cushions with proper lumbar support, and adjustable headrests. These simple additions can greatly improve your comfort and reduce the risk of developing neck pain on long drives. Prioritize your well-being by taking proactive measures to support your neck during car journeys.
