SIT PROPERLY IN THE CAR

SIT PROPERLY IN THE CAR

Back injury is common from sitting incorrectly in the car. The driver’s and passenger’s seats must allow for the most ideal seated position. I do not recommend the driver or passenger try to maintain a dynamic seated position while driving. It is safer for the driver and passenger to ensure their seat is set for the most ideal seated position possible. The driver’s and passenger’s seats should allow for the legs and hips to be at 90 degrees. Use a lumbar support (www.backsafetyandwellness.com/products) to avoid forming the “C shape,” or hump, in the low back. Instead, a ski slope, or inverted “C-shape,” is desired. Do not flex the low back!

Do not shrug your shoulders. Some people place their arms on the door rest, which causes a constant shoulder shrug. Avoid this. In addition, drivers tend to place one arm on the steering wheel and shift their weight to one side. Again, try to avoid this. Rather, place both hands on the steering wheel. The arms and elbows, if possible, should be at 90 degrees. 

FIGURE 1

Do not position the head rest too far forward. Ideally, your head should rest against the head rest at the spot directly above the bump on the back of the head. If properly positioned, your head will appear slightly bent backward at 15-20 degrees as in FIGURE 1. 

The passenger should follow the same guidelines as the driver. Properly sitting in the car will allow you and your passenger to feel better after a long drive.