Is Driving Causing You Pain? These Five Tips Might Help

The most common problem areas for drivers include foot cramps, sore shoulders, finger cramps, feeling their neck as being "stiff," and lower back pain. Unfortunately, we have all experienced one or the other throughout our lives, so it is easy to understand why someone would not enjoy driving if this were to happen every time they got behind the wheel.

A British company, GEM Motoring Assist, has come up with a few tips for drivers who experience the kind of pain described above. We compiled them below and added in a few ideas from personal experience. As we wrote above, you should not experience pain while driving, but it is normal to feel tired after multiple hours behind the wheel.

Watch your form when getting in and out of your vehicle, but also when loading or unloading luggage 

Getting in and out of a vehicle should not be a chore for any adult. While holding on to the steering wheel might be a trick if you are not having a good day, but you must still have to drive, avoid doing it in the long run, as you could damage the wheel.

If you keep experiencing issues, you can acquire special handles or grips that fit in the vehicle's door latch to create a stronger handle. Not all those work with all cars, so do your research before buying something or make sure you can return the item (even if unsealed) if it does not fit before purchasing it.

If you have to load heavy luggage in your vehicle, be sure to mind your form when lifting and keep your back straight when doing it. Bend your knees to lift heavy items, or, better yet, as for someone to help you lift heavy items if you notice that they cannot be lifted with one hand. It is smarter to ask for help whenever possible than risk an injury.

Get your position right behind the wheel 

We have written about the correct position behind the wheel before, and we will continue to do so until it becomes the new normal. Do not sit too close to the steering wheel, as it will limit your range of motion and will put you at risk in the event of an accident. Experts recommend a minimum distance of 30 centimeters (ca. 11 inches) between the center of your steering wheel and your chest. The same happens if you stay too far away from the wheel, as you lose pedal control, and the airbag becomes useless.  

Wear your seatbelt whenever you are sitting in a vehicle that is on the road, even if it is on the side of the road. Even if its engine is not on, another vehicle could collide with it, and that would lead to an injury for all occupants.

If it is uncomfortable for you to reach for your seatbelt, you can get an easy-reach seatbelt handle. The same goes for padding, which can be bought online and covers your neck and shoulder to prevent rubbing or chafing.

Reduce glare 

Sun glare can lead to accidents and an increase in risk. You can get special sunglasses for driving, or you can fit glare shields to your vehicle's sun visor. Just remember to use them, so you do not have to squint to see where your vehicle is going.

Usually, that activity is also linked with unusual neck movement, which will increase the strain on your spine and make the entire journey more tiresome. If you are struggling to see the road ahead because of sunlight, you may suffer from headaches or other unwanted effects that will reduce your attention while driving and ruin your trip.

Plan your journey and think ahead 

Avoid driving tired, as doing so will increase the risk of an accident. Reaction times go down the drain when you are tired, and the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel increases with every minute spent driving while sleep-deprived.

It is also worth noting that insufficient rest can lead to back pain, neck pain, and other unpleasant situations. None of those improve your driving, but many of them will make your driving less safe. Just remember to get a good night's sleep before a trip and be sure to map out longer routes so that you have time to rest.

For the best results, take a short break (or as long as you need) every two to three hours of your journey, and after two such breaks take them every hour. Stop at a service station, wash your hands and your face, and be sure to stay hydrated and alert. Falling asleep behind the wheel can happen to any driver after several hours of driving, even if they were well-rested when the journey began. It is not worth the risk.

Get fit and improve your overall health

You may not like to hear this, but everyone on Earth is getting older by the minute. Unless you take care of yourself, your health will deteriorate at a more accelerated pace. Not being healthy will bring slower reflexes, more frequent pain while driving, and other unpleasant things in your life.

If you look at the top drivers in the world, you will notice that they all appear to be fit and have good health. Speak to your doctor and find out what you can do to improve your health. Just like time, better health cannot be bought with money, no matter how much you have in your account, so do your best to conserve what you have and improve upon it.