The second reason is because most people drive with the right leg and hip externally rotated with the knee slightly bent. This position tends to cause mild nerve root irritation in the lower back, causing referred pain into the hip, knee and foot.
This can often be remedied by rotating the hip slightly inwards, causing the leg to be more in line with the body. Try keeping your leg more aligned with your body on your next long trip, and you should get some relief -- and try changing positions slightly during the trip. Long-term damage can be caused to the spine because of failing to adjust the driver's seat correctly. Slouching behind the wheel on frequent trips or for long periods can be disastrous for the spine and is one of the central causes of bad backs in later life.
Drivers are more likely to adopt a poor posture by not properly adjusting their seat, causing long-term stress to the joints and muscles in the lower area of the spine. Many drivers adopt a bad posture while driving, leaning into the wheel and stretching their legs to reach the pedals. The vibration from the road when driving without proper support for the back increases muscle fatigue and compression on the disks of the spine.
Spinal injuries are common among taxi drivers, salesmen and other people who spend long periods behind the wheel. Driving gives motorists little opportunity to vary their posture, so if a seat is positioned incorrectly, the likelihood of injury is increased.
Below are the recommended tips for the drivers:
- The car seat should be firm and well-contoured to suit your body shape. The seat should have firm contact with your body.
- The seat should be positioned so that the driver does not need to overstretch his legs to operate the pedals. The best knee angle for driving should be about 130 degrees.
- Shorter drivers in particular should try not to sit too close to the wheel as in this position the airbag can cause injury.
- Cloth/fabric seats give better support to your back than leather or vinyl covers. A cloth seat provides friction and enables the driver to maintain the correct posture while driving.
- A seat in an upright or slightly reclining position ultimately causes less stress on the back and reduces the effect of vibration.
- If you have an existing back problem, an automatic car would cause less stress on the spine than a manual vehicle.
- Most vehicles have an adjustable steering wheel, which allows the wheel to be set at the correct height and reach.
- To prevent whiplash injuries, motorists should ensure that the headrest is correctly positioned. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of the driver's head, or at least no lower than eye level.
Source: Malay Mail. Powered by Yellowbrix.
