Long distance driving – how to keep aches and pains at bay

June 1, 2012

As the long weekend approaches, several of you will be getting ready to get away and this might involve driving long distances and then unloading heavy baggage when you get to your destination.  If you don’t want to spend a few hours massaging your aching neck and lower back, or worse still, lying on the floor trying to get rid of the pain in the lower back,  there are some simple rules you can adhere to:

Make sure your car seat is set up correctly:

  • Knees and hips in line – very difficult to attain this, especially in sports cars so try and lift the seat as high as possible and if necessary put a flat-ish cushion on the seat which will lift your bottom whilst raising your knees
  • Back as upright as possible – without the head rest pushing your head forward and causing you neck pain
  • Steering wheel – make sure your hands when on the wheel are level with your shoulders; this will keep arm strain to a minimum
In addition:
  • Keep yourself hydrated – this will reduce tiredness and keep you alert.  There is another benefit to hydration – it forces you stop at service stations for a comfort break!  When you stop, part  the car as far from the cafe as possible, walk to the loo and en route do some Upper Body Stretches stretches!
  • When you get to your destination, follow these simple rules for unloading the baggage: Tips for managing baggage on holidays
Have a super break and enjoy the festivities – pain & ache free!