Neck Pain While Driving: Best Ways to Prevent and Treat Neck Pain

Although road trips are fun, it might not be the case if you are behind the wheel. Sitting down in one position might be stressful and uncomfortable. Besides, as a driver, you are the one dealing with all the ignorant and arrogant drivers and traffic. You have to be alert at all times to ensure you arrive safely. Therefore, as the other passengers nap in the vehicle and stretch a bit, you cannot. Long-distance drivers are mostly the victims of neck pain, especially cabbies and truckers. There are several ways in which you can prevent neck pain or treat neck pain to avoid further damage.

Best Ways to Prevent Neck Pain

Utilize Appropriate Driving Posture

Sitting in the correct posture while driving can help prevent neck pain during and after driving. Most drivers tend to slouch while driving, which can lead to inappropriate spine bending. Also, the longer you stay in that position, the more harm it causes.

The appropriate driving posture should ensure that your arms are slightly bent and relaxed, not too far or close to the steering wheel.

Adjust the Side Mirrors and Car Seat

The ideal angle for a car seat should be 90-100 degrees. However, we all have different bodies, and thus one should adjust the seat to fit them. Adjusting the side mirrors can also help prevent straining your neck. They should be visible by just looking without changing your shoulder and neck alignment.

Take breaks

Taking breaks is probably the best option for all pains experienced while driving. If driving long distances, remember to stop regularly to allow small strolls and stretches.

Utilize Cruise Control

Besides saving on fuel and limiting speed, cruise control also makes the long journey more comfortable. Cruise control allows your leg to rest as you don’t have to keep stepping on the accelerator. Nevertheless, this does not mean you should be less careful on the road.

Best Ways to Treat Neck Pain

Stretch

Stretching can aid in relieving stiffness and pain in the neck area. Also, regular stretches can help ensure that the pain does not reoccur in the future. However, it would be best to avoid sudden movements of a strained neck as this might cause more harm.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Most neck inflammation and strains can be relieved by regular pain relievers. Note that if the symptoms persist, you must seek further medical attention.

Apply Ice or Heat

Heat and ice can be combined to calm down a strained neck muscle and give it enough time to heal. Also, ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation by reducing blood flow to the strained area.

Visit a Physical Therapist

Seeing a physical therapist is significant, especially if the neck pain is intense, usually from occasions like accidents. These doctors will create remedies specifically for you, ensuring you get better. They can also guide you on several exercises during your sessions and others you can do on your own. If you experience severe pain, visit Chee Gap Kim, M.D for the best therapy.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, take all the precautions necessary to keep your neck and body healthy.

Ivan Brandt