Neck pain is a common problem for people who drive long distances or regularly drive in the car. It can be an unpleasant and disabling experience that can affect your driving comfort and overall well-being. Fortunately, physical therapy can provide an effective solution for relieving neck pain and improving your driving experience. That is why our physiotherapist Hidde Heineman has collected a few useful tips to prevent neck pain while driving and thus make driving a lot more comfortable.
Tip 1: A good sitting posture
Good sitting posture is essential to prevent neck pain. Adjust the backrest of your car seat so that it provides good support for your lower back. Adjust the headrest so that it is level with the top of your head. Keep your head straight and make sure your neck is not bent forward or backward. This helps keep your neck in a neutral position and reduces tension on your neck muscles.
Tip 2: Take regular breaks
If you notice that neck pain increases while driving, schedule regular breaks. Driving for long periods of time can lead to muscle tension and stiffness in the neck. Try to take regular breaks during long car rides. Stand up, stretch your legs and do some simple neck exercises to release tension. Try to take a short break every two hours so that your body can recover from the sitting position and you can stimulate blood circulation.
Tip 3: Exercises to reduce neck pain
It is important to exercise regularly during long car journeys and to do some simple exercises to reduce tension in your neck. Gently turn your head from left to right and up to down to loosen the neck muscles. Also raise your shoulders and then let them hang relaxed to reduce tension in the upper back and neck.
If neck pain persists or returns regularly, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist. Our physiotherapists can teach specific exercises and techniques to strengthen your neck muscles, improve your posture and reduce pain.
Curious about what physiotherapy can do for you?
Neck pain while driving can be an annoying problem, but with the right adjustments and exercises you can reduce the pain and improve your driving experience. Curious how this works? Then you can contact us via the contact form , by calling 030-2741726 or by sending an email to info@actifytaal.nl .
