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Top Tips for Improving Your Driving Posture

Updated: Oct 15

Most of us are aware that driving for a long time can lead to discomfort, whether it’s eye strain, our legs seizing up temporarily, or our arms getting tired. What people do not always realise, however, is that poor driving posture can wreak all sorts of havoc on their bodies and cause a range of more serious problems. These range from back problems and pain and muscle pain right through to bone and joint issues.


Luckily, there are some tried and tested techniques that can help you correct poor driving posture and avoid any driving-related injuries or pain. Here are some top tips from Optimal Health Chiropractic to help you get your driving posture correction process underway.


Support your back

To give your back the support it needs, position your tailbone as close to the back of the car seat as you can. Be sure to leave a 2-3 finger gap between the back of your knees and the front of the seat.


If the seat is set too far back, you will be forced to lean forwards while driving, which causes pain and sometimes finger numbness. Therefore, you should also adjust your seat so that it sits at an angle of between 100° and 110° - this ensures that there is minimal pressure on your back and should eliminate the need to lean forwards (so long as your seat’s distance from the steering wheel is correct).

Don’t sit too close to the steering wheel

As mentioned above, leaning forwards can cause pain in various parts of the body and finger numbness. Therefore, you should ensure your seat is in the correct position and that your arms and legs are extended a comfortable amount when reaching for the steering wheel and pedals respectively.

Ensuring you don’t sit too close to the steering wheel can also make a huge difference in the event of an accident. Studies have shown that drivers whose chests were closer to the steering wheel in front- and rear-end impact accidents were far more likely to suffer a severe head, neck, and/or chest injury.


Adjust your headrest

The top of the headrest should be positioned between the tops of your ears and the top of your head, touching only the back of your head when you’re sitting comfortably. This not only reduces your chances of developing neck and back pain but can also reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a rear-end collision.



Adjust your vehicle’s mirrors

Perfecting the positioning of your rear-view mirror and wing mirrors can work wonders in reducing or preventing neck strain. You’ll know you’ve found the correct position when you can see the traffic behind without having to turn your neck.


If you’re suffering from back or neck pain or want to improve your posture, get in touch with the experts at Optimal Health Chiropractic. Our chiropractic therapy uses state of the art x-ray imaging and computerised posture analysis to help us compile the best posture correction treatment plan and techniques to suit you. We are well-equipped with all the skills, knowledge and experience required to help you improve your posture and alleviate those stubborn aches and pains. To find out how we can help you, contact us today.

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