4 Ways to Alleviate Back Pain While Driving

I hear from patients all the time about difficulties getting in and out of cars while they are suffering from back pain so I came up with 4 tips on ways to alleviate the pain while riding in the car.

Open the door and stand with your back to the seat, legs close to the side of the vehicle. For larger vehicles, you may wish to begin by standing on the running board. Place your hands on the door and doorframe to keep your movements slow and controlled, then slowly lower your body into the vehicle.  As you sit down, tuck your head to avoid hitting the roof.

Keep your knees close to each other, as though they have been taped together, brace your abdomen as though you are about to be punched in the stomach and pivot your body as a whole without twisting or bending at the waist. You may grasp the steering wheel with your right hand to help you pivot.

Or another support to help maintain good posture. Position the roll slightly above your belt to support the small of your back. Adjust your seat so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips.  Car seats are typically soft and so you may need a little more lumbar support than you think. Also a lot of cars now have built in adjustable lumbar support, but even with that you may still need a support. A little trial and error will do wonders. I recommend everyone do this BEFORE their back starts to hurt because it will be no fun figuring it out while you are in pain. 

Before exiting, create adequate space by pushing your vehicle seat back as far as possible and move the steering wheel up and out of the way. To exit, first scoot slightly to the edge of your seat closest to the door, then keep your knees together and pivot with the same cautions that you used to enter the vehicle. When your feet are shoulder-width apart and firmly on the ground or running board, grasp the door and doorframe, lean forward but be sure not to bend your back, as you tighten your abdominal muscles. Tighten, but don’t suck in or push out with your belly. Slowly thrust your hips forward to stand up.  As you stand, one your head has cleared the roof, look up as you stand, this often helps reduce back pain when moving from the sitting to standing position. 

If back pain is affecting your day to day, book an appointment or contact us today. 

Dr. Samuel Spillman attained his chiropractic degree in 2008 from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon. His undergraduate study was spent at Miami University of Ohio where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Interdisciplinary Philosophy and International Studies in 2001.

Feel free to email me with questions!