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Great Tips To Prevent Back Pain While Driving

Jun 08, 2019

Great Tips To Prevent Back Pain While Driving

People who commute to work by car or spend a fair amount of time on the road each day commonly experience pain while driving. This is a fairly typical complaint regardless of if you regularly suffer from back pain or not.

A road trip can mean different things to different people, but when you have back pain, it may mean a difficult and uncomfortable time could be in store for you. Sitting in the car in a static position for long periods of time can trigger back pain.

If you’re a passenger, you may be able to make yourself comfortable, shift around from time to time or take medications for back pain relief. But if you’re the driver, you don’t necessarily have that option. Here are some tips that just may make your journey a bit more comfortable.

Why Driving Can Be Different Then Simply Sitting

When your car isn’t moving, then sitting in a driving seat probably isn’t much different to sitting in a padded chair. This changes however once the vehicle is in motion at that point the body is subject to different forces: to accelerations and decelerations, to lateral swaying from side to side, and to whole-body up and down vibrations.
When driving the feet are actively being used, whether on the gas pedal, the break or even the clutch. When the feet are active they cannot be utilized for supporting and stabilizing the lower body as normally happens when they are placed on the floor during normal sitting in a chair.

Tips For Preventing Back Pain While Driving  

  • Regular Chiropractic Care. Using Chiropractic as part of your wellness routine can be extremely beneficial. Maintainance appointments that keep your spine in optimal health can often diffuse potential back issues before they happen. Also, having a strategically planned Chiropractic appointment scheduled for after a long journey can help with back pain that you may incur from a long car ride.
  • Become as comfortable as possible from the start. Take a few moments to get as comfortable as possible when you first get in the car. The slightest irritation can end up causing major back discomfort and pain after a long drive.
  • Remove things from your pockets. Take your wallet out of your back pocket before you get in the car. A wallet, cell phone or any other miscellaneous things in your pocket immediately places your back out of alignment when you sit on them.
  • Proper seat adjustment. Tilt your seat to make sure that the bottom of your thighs are evenly supported. Raise or lower the seat so that you have a clear view out the windshield. Adjust the back of the seat so that your shoulders are behind your hips, but not by too much, aim for an angle of approximately 110 degrees. Adjust your legs so they are easily able to reach the pedals without bending significantly. It is helpful to get as close to the steering wheel as you can without becoming uncomfortable. This prevents you from slouching and also keeps you from straining to reach the pedals. When your seat is too far back, you must bend your back to reach the wheel and the controls, straining your back.
  • Take hot or cold packs with you. A cold pack could simply be an ice pack wrapped in a towel, or you could buy an instant ice pack from your local pharmacy or store which can be kept in the car in a cooler until you need them. Some heat packs can be plugged into the cigarette socket in your car to provide constant heat. Alternatively, if your car has heated seats, use these to keep your muscles warm during the journey. Use them according to what helps your discomfort the most.
  • Use an extra cushion or lumbar support. There is no single best option, and it may take some effort and trial and error on your part to find what works best for you.
  • Properly position your mirrors. Be sure your mirrors are adjusted properly so you don’t have to move or twist to see them. Generally, it’s best if you only have to move your eyes to be able to see out of your mirrors. If you adjust your mirrors while sitting up straight, and over time begin to slouch you’ll lose vision in the mirrors, this can act as a reminder to sit up.
  • Exercise as part of your wellness routine. Try to include movement into your daily routine. Moderate activities such as climbing stairs instead of using the elevator or parking the car in a more distant parking spot and walking to the store or having a routine exercise program that you follow can help immensely.

The Takeaway

Back pain during or from long periods of time driving is fairly common complaint regardless of if you regularly suffer from back pain or not.

For anyone who spends a fair amount of time driving each day, whether if its what you do for a living, you have a long commute to work or have a fun-filled road trip planned, there are practical steps you can take to prevent back pain and damage.

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Imagine waking up every morning with a stiff back, feeling like your body is weighed down by an invisible burden. Chronic back pain, a persistent throb in your neck, or that nagging stiffness in your joints - these aren't just minor discomforts, but barriers that prevent you from enjoying life to its fullest. For many, this isn’t just a scenario, but a daily reality. The search for relief often leads down a path of medications, therapies, and sometimes, frustration when these methods don’t quite hit the mark. Enter the world of manual adjustment in chiropractic care . This approach stands out not just for its effectiveness, but for its natural and non-invasive nature. Chiropractic care, with its hands-on technique, promises a solution that goes beyond temporary fixes. It's about realigning your body, restoring balance, and opening a door to a life free from the constraints of pain and discomfort. In this blog, we dive deep into the essence of manual adjustments in chiropractic care, unraveling how it works, its benefits, and why it could be the key to unlocking a pain-free life. What is Manual Adjustment in Chiropractic Care? Manual adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a core technique in chiropractic care, centered on treating various musculoskeletal conditions. This method involves applying controlled, precise force to specific joints in the spine or other parts of the body. The primary goal? To enhance mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal function. Chiropractors, equipped with their hands or specialized tools, perform these adjustments. Their target? Misalignments or subluxations in the spine that can disrupt overall health and well-being. Over the years, manual adjustment has evolved into a fundamental aspect of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors receive extensive education and training, honing their ability to execute these adjustments with utmost safety and efficacy. They employ a variety of techniques – such as the diversified technique, the Gonstead technique, and the activator method – to customize the adjustment to each patient's specific needs. How It Works At its core, manual adjustment in chiropractic care aims to realign and rejuvenate the musculoskeletal system, with a particular focus on the spine. A properly aligned spine is crucial for efficient nervous system functioning. When misaligned, it can disrupt the nervous system's ability to communicate effectively with the body, leading to pain, discomfort, and various health issues. Manual adjustments strive to rectify these misalignments, fostering the body's innate ability to heal and promoting overall wellness. The process of spinal manipulation and alignment involves several key steps: Assessment: The chiropractor first assesses the patient's spine to identify areas of misalignment or dysfunction. Technique Selection: Depending on the assessment, the chiropractor chooses the most suitable technique for the adjustment. Application of Force: Controlled, gentle force is applied to the identified areas to correct alignment and improve joint function. Response Monitoring: The chiropractor monitors the patient’s response to the adjustment, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. This holistic approach not only alleviates immediate discomfort but also contributes to long-term health and functional improvement, making manual adjustment a pivotal component of chiropractic care. The Benefits of Manual Chiropractic Adjustments Pain Relief One of the most celebrated benefits of manual chiropractic adjustments is their ability to provide effective pain relief. These adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, involve the careful application of controlled force to specific joints, primarily in the spine. This targeted approach is key to alleviating various types of pain, leading to acute and chronic relief for patients. Manual adjustments are especially potent in addressing musculoskeletal pain. Common complaints such as back pain, neck pain, and joint discomfort are frequently linked to misalignments or restricted movement within the spine or other joints. By precisely correcting these dysfunctions, chiropractors can reduce inflammation, relieve nerve pressure, and restore normal function. This leads to significant pain reduction and enhances overall well-being. Beyond musculoskeletal pain, manual adjustments also offer relief from other pain types. For instance, headaches and migraines, often stemming from neck or upper back tension and misalignment, can be alleviated through chiropractic manipulations. These adjustments release tension, improve blood circulation, and can decrease the frequency and severity of headaches. Similarly, conditions like sciatica, fibromyalgia, and arthritis can see pain relief through manual chiropractic adjustments. Improved Mobility and Flexibility Another key benefit of chiropractic adjustments lies in their ability to enhance overall mobility and flexibility. Targeting specific misaligned or immobile areas in the spine, these adjustments facilitate optimal nerve function and communication between the brain and body. This improved neural interplay leads to better movement coordination and control, thus enhancing overall mobility. In a manual adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled force to the spinal joints, aiming to realign the vertebrae and restore mobility. This realignment can alleviate nerve pressure and reduce inflammation, enabling freer movement. It's particularly beneficial for those experiencing stiffness, limited motion range, or joint pain. Furthermore, adjustments aid in increasing the flexibility of muscles and ligaments around the spine. Misalignments often cause tension and tightness in these soft tissues, limiting mobility. Correcting spinal alignment through adjustments can relieve this tension, promoting flexibility and a broader range of motion. Moreover, the positive impact of adjustments isn't limited to specific spine areas; it extends to the overall function of the musculoskeletal system. By optimizing alignment and mobility, chiropractic adjustments enhance the body's biomechanics. This improvement is reflected in better posture, balance, and coordination, contributing significantly to enhanced overall mobility and physical function. Debunking Myths About Chiropractic Adjustments Common Misconceptions Chiropractic care, particularly manual adjustments, is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. One of the most common is the belief that these adjustments are painful. However, the reality is that chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. Chiropractors are skilled professionals who utilize specific techniques to apply controlled force gently. While some patients might experience mild discomfort or soreness following an adjustment, this is usually temporary and a natural part of the body's healing process. Patients are encouraged to openly communicate with their chiropractor about any discomfort, allowing for adjustments in technique to maximize comfort. Another widespread myth is that chiropractic care is risky. Contrary to this belief, chiropractic adjustments are predominantly safe, especially when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo rigorous training and education, equipping them with the skills to safely perform adjustments. They also thoroughly consider a patient's medical history and physical condition before any treatment. While there are inherent risks in any medical procedure, in chiropractic care, these risks are rare and generally minimal. Selecting a reputable chiropractor and discussing any hesitations or queries before treatment is vital for patient reassurance. There's also a misconception that chiropractic care is solely for back pain. While it's highly effective for back pain, its benefits extend much beyond. Chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal system as a whole, aiming to improve the body's overall functioning. Manual adjustments can relieve pain in various body parts, including the neck, shoulders, hips, and extremities, and enhance joint mobility, nervous system function, and overall wellness. It's a holistic approach beneficial not just for back pain but for overall health improvement. Safety Profile Chiropractic care's safety and effectiveness have been supported by numerous studies. Research in the journal Spine reported that serious complications from chiropractic adjustments are extremely rare, with an incidence rate of less than one per million treatments, indicating that chiropractic care is a low-risk option for pain relief and musculoskeletal treatment. Expert bodies like the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reinforce that chiropractors are well-trained professionals. They emphasize that chiropractic adjustments are non-invasive and drug-free, contributing significantly to their safety. The ACA also points out that chiropractors are trained to identify when a patient should be referred to another healthcare provider, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care. Additionally, a study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, examining over 50,000 chiropractic treatments, found an extremely low risk of adverse events. The study's findings indicate that the risk associated with chiropractic care is comparable to that of visiting a primary care physician. This further reinforces the notion that chiropractic care, including manual adjustments, is a safe and effective treatment option for those seeking natural and non-invasive healthcare solutions.  Conclusion In this comprehensive exploration of manual adjustment in chiropractic care, we've delved into various aspects that illuminate the value and effectiveness of this treatment method. Starting with a clear definition and historical context, we established that manual adjustments are not a new concept but a well-established practice rooted in the late 19th century. This technique, central to chiropractic care, involves controlled force application to the spine and other joints to correct misalignments and restore proper function. We discussed the significant benefits of manual chiropractic adjustments, particularly in pain relief and enhanced mobility and flexibility. These adjustments are adept at addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, from acute and chronic back pain to headaches and joint discomfort. By realigning the spine and improving joint function, chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but also enhances overall physical mobility. Addressing common myths, we emphasized that chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful, contrary to popular belief, and are safe when performed by trained professionals. We also dispelled the notion that chiropractic care is limited to back pain treatment. In fact, it offers holistic benefits that extend to overall health and well-being. In conclusion, manual adjustment in chiropractic care represents a safe, effective, and non-invasive approach to managing various health conditions. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, limited mobility, or simply seeking a route to improved overall health, chiropractic care offers a promising avenue. We encourage you to consider incorporating chiropractic adjustments into your health regimen. By doing so, you embark on a journey towards better health, tapping into a treatment method that aligns with your body's natural ability to heal and maintain optimal function!
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