Taking the wheel - Low back pain and commuting
Is your low back pain making your daily commute a dreaded experience? Join us today as we discuss THREE quick tips to make your drive to work a little less stressful.
Hi guys, today we're continuing our blog series called "Low Back Pain: A Day in the Life at the Office." We want to address each part of the day and find ways to make it better, reducing the impact of low back pain on your daily routine.
In this post, we're focusing on the commute to work, particularly the drive in the morning so here are THREE quick tips you can do today to help you if driving hurts your low back
1. Consider the setup of your car and how it effects your posture
Adjust the seat position to support your lower back, keeping your legs back as far as possible and maintaining a tall posture. A classic trick is the old school mirror trick. Set your mirrors in a way that you can only see properly when sitting with good posture. This way, if you start slouching, you'll notice it immediately and correct your posture.
2. Extra lumbar support
Another helpful trick is using a rolled-up T-shirt. Place it behind your lower back for extra support and stability. This prevents you from slumping and sitting directly on your bones, which can aggravate the discs in your lower back. This simple and cost-effective solution provides an additional level of comfort.
3. Lacrosse ball massage for quick relief
For long commutes, consider keeping a small exercise ball in your car. You can press it against certain areas of your back to relieve tension and discomfort while on the road. It's convenient to have the ball in your glove compartment or nearby, allowing you to perform some self-care exercises during breaks or when traffic allows.
These simple strategies can make a significant difference in reducing low back pain during your daily commute. Remember, it's the small one-percent improvements that add up over time.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll share tips and strategies for making your desk job less painful. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope these suggestions help make your commute a more comfortable experience. See you next time!