Although most truck drivers suffer from back pain at one time, very few of them use a seat support and almost no one takes the time to warm up the muscles of the lower back before getting in the vehicle.  If you are like the average car owner, you probably never even thought about these precautions.

However, considering that most Americans can’t imagine a life without a car, learning about seat supports, how to warm up the muscles, and how to sit come first in the list of safeguards any driver should take to prevent back pain and injuries.

Protect Ligaments with a Seat Support
Ligaments (fibrous tissues) hold each vertebra on the spine in place. Because of their elasticity, ligaments stretch under tension, like when you reach out to shift gears. Despite their elasticity, they remain in the elongated state for hours even when the tension no longer exists.

That is why you feel back pain several hours after having lifted a heavy object. Also, that’s why a small torsion— like when you get out of the car after keeping your ligaments under severe tension—may cause excruciating pain the morning after.

To protect the ligaments in the back and to ensure a correct driving posture, use a car seat support. There is a variety of designs in the market and for a small investment you can have a simple device that protects your back and helps you avoid costly expenditures on pain relief drugs and treatments.

Sharing Your Car
Drivers who share their cars with other family members or co-workers should re-adjust the seat after each driving shift. The length of the arm determines the ideal distance between seat and wheel. Place your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock positions—or a little lower if it feels better—and let your arms and forearms rest comfortable.

You should never be so close to the steering wheel that your legs touch it; but don’t place the seat too far away from it because your back will resent the extra tension when you unconsciously move the shoulders forward to reach the wheel.

Notwithstanding, if you have short legs, consider using a cushion behind your back. Likewise, if you have short arms, make sure you adjust the seat or the cushion so you can reach the gear shift without leaning forward.

Objects in Mirror Are Closer
Another precaution you should take when you get in a car someone else was using is the re-adjusting of mirror positions and angles to fit your eye level. Make sure you have a wide view of the road with just a slight rotation of your eyes while sitting with your shoulders in contact with the backrest. This includes all three mirrors of the car. Under no circumstances should you force your head and shoulders to use a mirror.

Easy with the Gas
The ergonomic seat and the back support of your vehicle are useless if you don’t take the time to adjust the position of the seat as explained above; but if you do, your right foot will rest comfortably onto de gas pedal.

When sitting properly, a minimal move at the ankle will suffice to control the vehicle and you will be able to drive for several hours without too much muscle tension.

However, if you begin to feel some discomfort, pull the vehicle to the side and take a rest. Usually, a short stretching session will do just fine if you followed these directions.

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