3 April 2019
4 Mins read

Drivers urged to customise seats to prevent back pain

Something as simple as adjusting your car seat could be an easy way to prevent back pain.

Motorists have been urged to pay attention to the position of their car's seat if they are to avoid the back and neck pain that can result from driving.

Volkswagen has teamed up with the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) to offer tips on how to sit correctly behind the wheel in a bid to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal issues that currently plagues the UK.

Chiropractor Prab Chandhok said he has seen many patients pointing to driving as a trigger for their neck and back pain, so it is essential that each car is properly set up for its driver's needs.

"The key thing to remember is that there is no single seat that is perfect for everyone, so it's practical to test the seat out fully. The more adjustable it is the better," he added.

Volkswagen's Sarah Cox said the company's research has shown that the majority of drivers do not correctly adjust their seats, yet taking the time to do so with a new car can really make a difference.

Among the BCA's tips for proper seat adjustment were making sure the thighs are parallel to the floor and getting the hips higher than the knees if possible.

It was also recommended that drivers should be able to push the pedals to the floor with a bend in their knees if they are in the correct position, while the steering wheel should be in line with the folds of their wrists.

The charity BackCare states that between 30 and 60 per cent of motorists have reported back pain that is caused or made worse by driving and recommends stretching during and after long journeys.

It is estimated that time off work caused by bad backs could be costing the UK economy up to £21 billion a year.