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Essentials of Driving Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a term used for discussing health issues at workplace due to improper sitting posture and improper setting of equipment. It also plays a vital role when it comes to car and driving. Incorrect and uncomfortable sitting posture at the wheel can cause severe musculoskeletal disorders including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, poor circulation, repetitive strain injury, and even spinal damage.

Here are some of the best ways to adjust while driving:

The most significant posture is keeping your spine in neutral position. Neutral means that all the joints are in their actual position and the chin tucked in a bit. Do not bend your spine, lean to the car seat, and pull yourself straight on the driving seat.

Adjust the seat in both base and head rest. The angle of the seat should be adjusted nearly at 100 to 110 degree to support the lower back or the lumbar and the thoracic spine. If the seat is not adjustable use a back support, head support and move close to the steering wheel.

Adjust the height of the seat to ensure that hips and knees are in line as when the knees are higher than the level of your hips it causes stiffness and discomfort in the hip area.

Lighten your pocket. Any kind of heavy objects in the pocket or even a fat wallet can contribute to pelvic imbalance, causing a slight twist in the spine.

Adjust the height of the steering wheel as so that there is no need to overextend your arms. Overextending your arms to reach the steering wheel can cause severe pain in the shoulder and back. This can even cause muscle fatigue and stiffness in the shoulders and arms.

Ensure that you always take a break to lubricate joints and promote flow of nutrients in your body every two hours of driving. This break is essential to alleviate stiffness caused while driving for long hours. Stretch yourself, bend your knees, raise your shoulders and move all the other body parts that get stuck while driving a car.

Strain occurs when you move in and out of the car with sudden jerks or movement. So, be careful when moving in and out of the car. While sitting in, first sit on the driving seat and then swing your legs in and do the same when getting out, swing out your legs first and then lift yourself.

Buckle up well with the car seat belts. If the seat belts are uncomfortable, take a small piece of foam or soft pipe insulation. Place this piece against your body just below the seat belts where it hurts you.

Adjust car mirrors well so that you don’t have to crane your neck every now and then just to have a better view of the traffic behind. You can even add a small mirror in the blind spot to have a better view.

So, it’s clear that car ergonomics plays an essential role in maintaining good health. If the sitting posture is perfect while driving, you’ll never face troubles and pains in your spinal cord and other body parts.

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