VW, UK chiropractors teach and preach proper driving position

MANILA: Ever feel any lumbar weariness or worse, back pain after a long drive? There are many factors behind it but the first thing you should always look at is your driving position.

A research done by Volkswagen and the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) show that more 70% of drivers suffer from back pain and while half of those surveyed say they adjust their seat to the proper position, about two-thirds are still either sitting too close to the steering wheel or the seat is angled too far back.

To help you feel comfortable during the drive, whether it’s just to go to the office or for that out of town vacation, the German automaker and the BCA decided come up with these tips to get you in the proper driving position every single time.

• Height: Your thighs should be as parallel to the floor as your seat will allow, and where possible try to get your hips higher than your knees. You should also adjust the thigh support if you have one to ensure you have the maximum surface of your thighs touching the seat.
• Pedals: You should be able to push the pedals to the floor with a bend in your knees.
• 110°: Bring your seat all the way up so it’s straight and then take it back until you are comfortable whilst maintaining a 110-degree angle between your back and thighs.
• Lumbar Support: Only if required, the lumbar support should be adjusted so you can feel it support the hollow in your back but so it’s not causing your spine to arch more than is normal for you.
• Head Restraint: The height and angle of your head restraint should be adjusted so you can feel the centre of the support touch the middle of the back of your head, although it does not need to be touching at all times, as long as no more than 2cm away.
• Steering Wheel: Once in correct seating position, bring your arm up in front of you and position the centre of the steering wheel to be in line with the fold of your wrist.
• Rear Mirror: Lift up your chest by five degrees and then adjust your mirrors to help stay in an upright position on long drives.

To make sure your body doesn’t get weary, take regular rest periods if you’re going for a long drive. Say a 15-minute break for every 45-60-minute drive. This will prevent your muscles and tendons from tightening up. During the break do 5 to 10 knee bends (raise your knee past 90 degrees). If you’re up for some body squats, do about 3-5.

“With an increase in the number of people supporting the national effort to provide essential deliveries and relay important supplies to organisations such as hospitals, supermarkets, food banks and pharmacies, it is very important drivers also consider their own health and wellbeing to be able to help more. Long hours spent in a vehicle can cause aches and pains, but there are simple steps individuals can take to better look after their back health when driving,” said Prab Chandhok, chiropractor and BCA member.

Photos from Volkswagen

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