Road Trips and Long Commutes: Protecting Your Back on I-95
Whether it is a daily commute down I-95 to Fort Lauderdale or a holiday drive to visit family up the coast, long hours behind the wheel can leave you with a stiff neck, sore low back or a nagging ache in the hip. Sitting still in one position, with your feet working the pedals and your eyes fixed ahead, is harder on the body than it looks.
Why driving is tough on the spine
Car seats often tilt the pelvis back, which rounds the low back. Reaching for a steering wheel that is too far away pulls the shoulders forward. Constant small vibrations and stop-and-go traffic keep the muscles working without much chance to move. After an hour or two, it is no surprise that many people climb out of the car slowly.
A quick setup check
- Seat height: Your hips should be level with or slightly above your knees.
- Distance: You should reach the pedals fully without stretching, with a slight bend in the knee.
- Backrest: Sit all the way back; a small rolled towel at belt level can support the curve of the low back.
- Wheel: Elbows should be relaxed and slightly bent.
- Mirrors: Set them while sitting tall, so slumping makes them harder to see.
- Wallet: Take it out of your back pocket before a long trip.
Plan to stop
On longer trips, pull over roughly every hour or two to walk, stretch your calves and gently move your back. These breaks also help with alertness.
When the ache follows you home
If pain continues after driving, or you notice tingling in a leg, an evaluation can help sort out what is going on. At McNamara Chiropractic Center, a chiropractor in Lighthouse Point, Dr. McNamara-Krauss takes a thorough history, examines the spine and hips, and explains her findings https://batchgeo.com/map/chiropractor-lighthouse-point-fl clearly. Care may include chiropractic adjustments, Antalgic-Trac spinal decompression when a disc or nerve appears to be involved, or Foot Levelers custom orthotics if foot mechanics are a factor. Each plan is individual, and results vary.
If you have been in a car accident, call promptly. Florida PIP is accepted, and Florida law generally requires seeking care within 14 days of the crash to protect PIP benefits.
McNamara Chiropractic Center
3320 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064(954) 902-6371This article does not provide medical advice. Outcomes vary, and a personal evaluation is required.