Although you are unlikely to be driving a double decker this year, the chances are that you will be behind the wheel for at least one holiday – the recent economic downturn has meant that more Britons than ever are opting to take at least a short break in the UK, rather than travelling abroad*. Popular destinations include Devon and Cornwall, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, East Anglia and Scotland.** However, prolonged driving in the wrong position can exacerbate existing back and neck pain and even see the start of musculo-skeletal problems. So if you are driving, how are the best ways to ensure you have a comfortable journey, avoiding putting strain on your back? No-one wants to spend the first few days of their holiday recovering from the long trip!

Most modern cars how have a number of adjustable features, to allow you to tailor your driving position as far as possible to your needs. It is surprising how many of us don’t realise what all those seating buttons and levers actually do, so it might be worth having a quick check of your car manual first. Popular websites such as ‘You Tube’ and ‘Wiki How’ have a number of useful tips and videos.

Also, get someone to help you achieve the correct seating; it is extremely difficult to assess for yourself whether you are upright, leaning or cramped. A McTimoney chiropractor will be able to advise upon the sitting posture you should be aiming for.

The following are the key adjustments you will need to check:

• The height of the seat and its distance from the pedals – most people sit too far back

• The angle of the cushion tilt, together with the angle of the back rest and lumbar support

• Correct adjustment of the head restraint (for comfort and to minimise whiplash injuries in the case of a collision)

• Steering height and distance, to ensure you always have a clear view of the dashboard



Whilst you are driving, your seat belt should fit snugly and lie low across your hips once it has been fastened. All our your mirrors should be correctly positioned to give you a broad field of vision behind and to the sides of your vehicle, without you having to make extended movements of your neck and head. You should also keep both hands on the steering wheel (in the approximate position of ‘9’ and ‘3’ on a clock face!) and avoid steering with one hand, as this places strain on your shoulders and back. Drive in a relaxed position, but don’t slump.

There are a number of products available on the market, such as ergonomic cushions, Lumbar rolls and seat wedges. If you do a lot of driving, it may well be worth investing in one of these aids, particularly if you have an existing back problem. However, do opt for one which is well-made and safe, as making an ill-advised choice could make your driving position and comfort worse.

Having got yourself into the optimum driving position, try not to stay there for hours on end! Make regular stops throughout your journey, get out and stretch your shoulders, lower back and hamstrings to avoid pain and tension. Your McTimoney chiropractor will be able to show you some stretches to alleviate any strain caused by driving.

Chiropractic is a straight forward method of adjusting the bones of your body to improve the alignment of your skeleton, and through this process help the nervous system to work more efficiently. The purpose of chiropractic care is to realign and rebalance your body to relieve pain and discomfort, and increase mobility. If the worst happens and you either arrive at your destination feeling stiff and sore, or are involved in any kind of collision (however minor), you may like to consider making an appointment with a local chiropractor to seek advice and, if appropriate, chiropractic care.

For most of us, the start of our holiday is signalled by some kind of car journey. But it doesn’t have to be a pain in the back, or neck. So, if you are sitting comfortably, let’s hit the road. Highway 66, or the A30, here we come!