Back pain when driving can be difficult and frustrating. These are some things you can do to alleviate the pain and prevent it from happening.
Driving with Back Pain
A study published in the Spine Journal may confirm that prolonged or excessive driving can cause permanent damage to the intervertebral discs of the spine. The study focused on how vibration (at a frequency of 5 HZ) affected the integrity of the annulus fibrosis (the part of the disc prone to tearing). The results determined that 80% of the test subjects showed some signs of herniation.
How driving causes back pain.
The reason why vibration at a frequency of 5 Hz is so significant is that our cars and trucks vibrate at this same frequency when we drive. Coupled with previous studies that have shown decreases in muscle response due to vibration and an increase in degenerative changes from sitting too long, this presents a very serious problem for people who drive a lot.
5 ways to relieve and prevent back pain when driving
Set the backrest to a slight recline and (if your car has it) use the seat heat
Use a lumbar support
Keep your knees as extended as possible
Take breaks from driving and stretch
Work out your core muscles 2-3 times per week
Driving with back pain: Symptoms of a herniated disc
If you continue to experience persistent back pain, pain running down the legs, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet or a combination of these symptoms, you may have a herniated disc. In this case, chiropractic care may be necessary to treat the herniated disc and relieve your symptoms. In addition, your chiropractor would be able to order an MRI or CT scan of your spine to determine if you have a herniated disc and the extent of the damage.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or to learn more about my practice, please visit www.Springfield-Chiropractic.com
To have articles like this appear in your Facebook feed, please like the Springfield Chiropractic Center's Facebook page (Click here).
To receive more great health information delivered directly to your inbox, please subscribe to my health newsletter (Click here).
Wishing you good health,
THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY MEDICAL ADVICE: Any information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication, vitamins, herbs, supplements or other treatment. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. Information provided on this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any healthcare provider affiliated with our website. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements available on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
