Friday 2 November 2012

car back support


Studies of professional car drivers have revealed that 50% suffer with back pain at any given time. This high number has been found true amongst many leisure drivers who also experience back pain when in the car, particularly on long journeys. This site aims to help individual drivers manage their pain when driving and look at the car backsupport options currently available on the market. Designed to match the proper shape of the entire spine, the car back support gives the best possible support to the spine in its natural position to maintain posture, reduce driver fatigue and can help to prevent a whiplash type neck injury by preventing the neck from hyperextending. Provides support and safety while riding in a car. Promotes greater comfort by reducing back pain and fatigue. Side supports cradle the kidney area comfortably and provide lateral support. Unique but simple fastening system allows easy fastening to any car single seat. The carback support is available in 3 sizes – Small Back, Average Back and Tall Back. What can you do to prevent back pain in the car? Remind yourself to to take regular breaks on a journey - the Highway Code recommends taking a break as often as every 15 minutes and although this might not be practical, try to take breaks more frequently than normal. When you do take a break it is important that you actually get out of the car as this will mean you have to change position. Maintaining the correct posture when driving is essential and having the correct car back support is a sure step to achieving this goal. By sitting incorrectly pressure is exerted on the spine which over time can become painful. 

There are a range of back supports on the market so be sure to do your research and find the one that meets your needs. Know your car settings well, and adjust them to find the absolute best sitting position for you. By spending a little time adjusting the height of the seat or the angle of the chair may well help you to maintain a better seating position and so reduce the amount of back pain you have to endure. Quick and easy tips for a healthy back:- Exercise, especially low impact. For example; Swimming, speed walking or car backsupport riding just thirty minutes a day can increase flexibility and muscle strength. Yoga can also help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. We recommend you ask your specialist for low-impact exercises appropriate for your age which are designed to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles.
Simply stretching before exercise or other strenuous physical activity.

When standing or sitting make an effort not to slouch. Your back supports weight most easily when curvature is reduced so when standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet. Try using a sitting support at home, work or in the car. Work surfaces need to be at a comfortable height for you. Lumbar support in chairs and proper position and height for the task are very important. Switch sitting positions often and regularly walk around your home or office. Lumbar supports are a popular product for people who suffer with back pain. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine. Memory Foam pillows and mattresses are particularly good for sleeping with back pain. Don’t try to lift objects too heavy for you. Lift with your knees, pull in your stomach muscles, and keep your head down and in line with your straight back. 
Keep the object close to your body. Do not twist when lifting. Maintain proper nutrition and diet to reduce and prevent excessive weight, especially weight around the waistline that taxes lower back muscles. A diet with sufficient daily intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps to promote new bone growth. If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate. Short -Term Relief Heat therapy is useful for back spasms or other conditions. A meta-analysis of studies by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that heat therapy can reduce symptoms of acute and sub-acute low-back pain. Some patients   


find that moist heat works best (e.g. a hot bath or whirlpool) or continuous low-level heat (e.g. a heat wrap that stays warm for 4 to 6 hours). Cold compression therapy (e.g. ice or cold pack application) may be effective at relieving car back support pain in some cases. Acupressure or pressure point massage may be more beneficial than classic (Swedish) massage.
WE all vary in shapes and sizes and therefore to suggest a specific car that will help to minimise back pain is an impossible tasks. However there are a number of points to consider when choosing a car so that back pain can be prevented or at least reduced by allowing the driver to have adequate car back support and hence to adopt a good driving posture.
NOTE: The more adjustable features that are on offer within a car - the higher chances for you to find the right position to establish correct posture.

1. Lumbar support
You should feel the back rest provides continuous car back support along the whole length of your back;
However, often the shape of the car seat is not compatible with your back structure. In this case - a car back support with build in lumber support may bring an adequate solution.

2. Seating
Has got to feel comfortable and supportive;
Make sure that the height and tilt can be adjusted independently of each other;
The base of the seat should be the right size for your thighs and offer space between the edge of the seat and your knees to prevent building pressure behind your knees;
The seat should be wider than your hips and thighs;
From your seat you should be able to reach the pedals or controls easily while keeping good all round vision.

3. Back rest
Optimal height is shoulder height and rear vision should not be abstracted;
Widthwise back rest in your car should support your shoulders. 

4. Steering wheel
Make sure the wheel can be adjusted in and out as well as up and down;
Power steering is a must;
Position of the steering wheel is important - if it is not centrally positioned the steering may cause extra strain on your spine;
The display panel should not be abstracted by the steering wheel.

5. Boot
The height of the boot should be appropriate for your needs, e.g. if you manually handling load in and out of the boot make sure that the sill height is not too low to avoid the risk of an injury.

6. Car environment
Leg and head room should be suitable for your body height and feel comfortable;
Air conditioning will provide extra comfort that will help you to relax;
Make sure not you use your car as an office space as it will cause your body to perform movements that will put extra strain of your backand cause poor posture.
Trust your own senses and if you feel that discomfort in your back is not going away make sure to see a specialist (GP, occupational health specialist such as a nurse, physiotherapist or ergonomist.)