Back and neck pain from driving: Any recommendations?

sevenhills

If you have a sedentary lifestyle, that will make your seating issues worse. Do a few keep fit classes every week.

Iceweasel

I agree that Opel/Vauxhall seats are not the most comfortable but ...

A few hours should not be a problem.

A 3 to 4 hour journey is NOT a long time to be driving.

Many/most people have their seat adjusted in a less than perfect position.

Check here before changing your car:

https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/how-can-i-make-sure-i-have-found-the-perfect-driving-position/

Hedgehog99

Make sure your neck and shoulders aren't getting cold - adjust the air vents etc so they're not creating a draught that's wicking round your neck.

Cura-Heat make neck and shoulder heat pads that you stick on your clothes (a sort of yoke shape). Other brands make stick-to-skin ones, but I prefer the stick on to clothes version. You can order them from independent pharmacies and some supermarkets' pharmacies (not B00t5). Bar code 498702018040. You can also stick them on a scarf so if it got too hot while driving, you could easily move it off yourself.

wymondham

How about a few glasses of whisky, that'll relax your muscles....

*(before anyone comments, this is not a serious suggestion!)

harz99

LiveOnce wrote: »

Hello all,

Recently I have been experiencing lots of back and neck pain from long distance driving.

I have tried adjusting the seat and still finding my 'comfort' zone.

Are there any things you recommend trying? Open to changing something in the car or a product that can help while I drive.

I am fairly active and stretch regularly so this mostly happens when I drive. In the next few weeks I anticipate driving 3-4hrs a day for short term basis.

Car make and model, your age, your height and build, would all help to give better advice.


For instance I'm over 65, 6 feet 1 inch tall and heavy build with long legs. I also suffered same sort of problems as you describe, eventually found the right car for me, but have recently tried to find a replacement as my car is getting worn and as yet no luck.


So more info please.

harz99

Also, all this talk about Vauxhall's? The OP has not stated what he/she drives yet...

EssexExile

harz99 wrote: »

Also, all this talk about Vauxhall's? The OP has not stated what he/she drives yet...

Sorry, a bit of sarcasm on my part which seems to have caught on. Many years ago Vauxhall went on about their wonderful special ergonomic seating designed by chiropractors or something similar, it was particularly uncomfortable. I abandoned a test drive half way through & walked back to the dealer rather than drive on.

LiveOnce

Hi all,

I am 30 and fairly active and have a decent diet / lifestyle where I run / swim or gym 3 times a week.

Reading some of the stuff on the web:
> I adjusted my seat
> Removed wallet from my back pocket when driving
> My car is warm (reading the suggestion here)

But I still get pain around back of my neck and middle of the back on the side of the spine.

Never had this issue normally and occurring since driving.

I have to drive 4hrs a day for next 6 months. How can I make it less painful?

Buying a new car is not an option as I cannot afford it (current is a decent Japanesse brand).

forgotmyname

Adjusted your seat using which method?

harz99

OP, already asked this once:


Car make and model, your age, your height and build, would all help to give better advice.


So far we now know you are thirty...