NCTV Episode 84

Continuing with the series of bitesize health tip videos which can be found here on my YouTube Channel, this episode, includes:-

  • Most frequent driving related pains
  • Correct ergonomic positioning
  • Poor driving postures and habits to avoid
  • 5 top vehicle adjustment tips
  • Mrs Coysh

Transcript

If you’d prefer to read the content within, rather than watch the video, then feel free to read the transcript, as follows:-

Hello and welcome to NCTV Episode 84 which is on location…in a car park. Not as exciting as Crete in last month’s video I realise but relevant none-the-less to today’s topic, which is all about driving posture.

Driving related aches and pains can be quite common with the likes of lower back pain, stiff shoulders and neck, cramp in the foot or leg, headache and eye strain being amongst the most frequent complaints.

Whilst most people will adjust their set up according to how they were told to by their old driving instructors for safety, which is no bad thing, it’s also important to know the correct ergonomic positioning of everything, to optimise comfort, maintain good posture and prevent pain or strain. This is especially apt for those who cover a lot of mileage for one reason or another as the risk of injury increases for anyone who drives for more than 20 hours a week.

Poor driving posture can lead to an increased risk of pain and discomfort in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, legs and feet. Over time, bad posture could result in chronic pain, making you vulnerable to more injuries. Aside from pain itself, you’ll know if something needs to be done about your driving posture if you experience the likes of pins & needles, cramp or joint stiffness during are after driving.

Before we get to the advice, it should be said that some cars obviously dictate your position, however, there are still a number of adjustments you can make, even if it may not be all of them.

So here are 5 top tips on your sitting posture, as demonstrated by my able assistant.

  1. First of all, sit as far back in the seat as possible but so that you can still push down the pedals fully and reach the steering wheel comfortably. Most steering wheels can be moved closer to you to allow for this. It’s best not to sit too close to the pedals and wheel if you can avoid it
  2. Have your hips slightly higher than the knees, or at least at the same height, if your seat adjustables allow it. Sitting on a cushion can help with this, if need be but make sure you still have enough clearance above your head
  3. Have a slight recline of 100-110 degrees, enough so that it’s comfortable but not so much that it’s making your neck bend forward
  4. Use a lumbar support or cushion, if your car seat doesn’t have one built in, to protect your lower back
  5. Be sure to take regular breaks on long journeys to help stretch the legs and ease any tensions.

In terms of bad habits, a few common ones to avoid are driving with one arm out the window or resting your hand on the gearstick.

Finally, a tip for getting both in and out of a car and that is to do it in the lady like fashion. For getting out, open the door as far as doable, pivot on your seat with your knees together, place both feet on the ground and stand up and vice versa for getting in.

So there we have for todays bitesize bits to help your health flourish and I’ll see you next time. Bye bye for now.