Pilates for Drivers
Driving and back pain
If you drive fairly long distances to and from work everyday (driving for over half an hour) or your job specifically involves long hours of driving, you may have experienced back pain; and you wouldn’t be alone.
Approximately 30-60%of drivers report back pain that is caused or made worse by driving. This is not uncommon as driving exposes the body to many different forces including acceleration, deceleration and most notably vibration.
Larger heavy goods vehicle drivers are exposed to a lot of vibration and consequently this group of people report more back pain. Driving also involves the use of your feet to control the car’s pedals which means they are not used to help stabilise and support your lower body as they normally would when sitting.
A combination of these factors as well as the inadequate design of some vehicle seats can cause back problems for some.
Top tips
Know your limit by testing how long you can drive for before your pain begins. Knowing how long will allow you to be able to take regular breaks before the pain begins
Take regular breaks to move around and do back stretches. Also stretch before you begin a journey, any time it is possible and safe to do so during your journey and after the journey
Being comfortably seated is very important when driving. Ensure your seat is adjusted so it is comfortable for you and if your vehicle does not have lumbar support seating, use a lumbar support cushion to support your back.
Below are some things to consider to ensure you are seated comfortably.
Sit with your buttocks as close as possible to the backrest - adjust the distance to the pedals so your legs are slightly bent when you press a pedal to the floor.
Adjust the seat length so your thighs are in contact with the seat almost up to the back of the knees. The distance between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees should be about two or three fingers wide.
Sit with your shoulders as close as possible to the backrest. Adjust the angle of the backrest so that you can easily reach the steering wheel with your arms bent. Your shoulders should remain in contact with the backrest when you turn the steering wheel.
A lumbar support is properly adjusted when the natural curvature of your lower spine is fully supported.
Adjust the height of the seat to the highest comfortable position. This ensures that you will have a clear view on all sides and of dashboard instruments.
Adjust the tilt of the seat so you can easily press the pedals down to the floor. Your thighs should rest lightly on the seat cushion without pressing on it.
Check the angle of your headrest. The upper edge should be aligned with the top of your head. Adjust to allow about three quarters of an inch between your head and the headrest.
The above article is from
http://www.backcare.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Driving-and-Back-Pain-Factsheet.pdf
Pilates exercises are commonplace at physical therapy centers, chiropractors are recommending Pilates, and "My back used to hurt all the time and now I don't feel it anymore" is a phrase we hear a lot from people who do Pilates consistently.
So what is it about Pilates that works so well for back pain relief?
What makes Pilates so effective is that it addresses the underlying structural imbalances in the body that lead to back pain.
Issues like lack of core support, pelvic instability, muscular imbalances, poor posture, and lack of body awareness all affect back health.
For further information, please do not hesitate in contact us.
info@connecthealthandfitness.com