Lumbago and car: driving without pain (tips)

car ride and herniated disc

La lumbago is sometimes disabling. In fact, when the pain radiates from the back, not only does the rest of the body suffer, but it also becomes difficult to perform certain daily tasks such as drive a car. In this article, discover the useful tips for pain-free driving when you have the lumbago.

Lumbago: reminder

 Le lumbago or common low back pain is a disease characterized by severe pain in the lower part of the spine.

It occurs in case of injury to muscles or ligaments. This may be the consequence of a previous disease such as osteoarthritis or of a false movement made.

Low back pain is a common illness which can affect anyone. But the people who are more at risk are the elderly, athletes and people who carry heavy loads full time.

Low back pain can be self-diagnosed. The first symptom one feels is intense pain. This is what characterizes pathology. However, it is always important to have the advice of a health professional in order to start treatment.

To treat disease, there are different ways to do it.

  • By taking medication such as analgesics to reduce pain.
  • Through sessions of physiotherapy if he wishes to opt for traditional treatment.
  • By one surgical intervention: in the event that the disease is at a very advanced stage, the person must pass.

With good follow-up, the treatment of low back pain lasts on average two to four weeks.

Can you drive a car with lumbago?

A few tips for pain-free driving when you suffer from lumbago

Driving is an activity that cannot be separated from everyday life. However, it is an activity that causes pain in the lower back. Indeed, even if you don't have lumbago, sitting for a very long time can cause intense back pain. In addition, low back pain is a common disease that can resurface even after performing treatment.

Here is some tips that will help reduce muscle pain when driving when you suffer from lumbago.

Adopt a good posture

Back pain is often caused by the way you sit in the car.

For this, therefore, it is necessary keep your back straight and leaning against the backrest. It is also important to equip oneself with a lumbar cushion. Namely that these materials can reduce the pressure that the intervertebral discs may feel.

Must also avoid getting stuck behind the wheel nor stray too far.

It is also important to do not reach too far towards the steering wheel as this makes the muscles tense.

Change position frequently

Whether you are on the passenger or driver side, you must alternate positions. That is to say, don't stick to the file for too long or stray too far from it. It is necessary to make slight movements so that the back and lower limbs do not become blocked. You can even wiggle the toes so they make simple movements to properly irrigate the blood.

take breaks

It is also very important to stop between journeys especially when it comes to a long trip. This allows you to stretch and relax.

Remember that the body cannot stay in one position for an extended period of time. This may make the pain worse.

In addition, sitting too long risks blocking blood circulation. That's why you have to take breaks to restore blood circulation. This can be done by stretching the legs and back.

Sit on the right materials

When suffering from lower back pain, the seat should be equipped with a special cushion. This brings comfort during travel, but also reduces pain in the pelvis. Indeed, the ergonomic seats can adapt well to each morphology and keep the driver or passenger in a good position.

The person can also opt for lumbar cushions. They can be placed in the hollow of the back or on the place directly on the seat. These devices help to rebalance the loads of the intervertebral discs. They can also be added with lumbar belts for a more effective effect.

If you are looking to get a lumbar pillow, see the following article.

Adopt the right attitudes

Must also take the right shoes on you when driving.

Especially for women, it is best to avoid driving while wearing heeled shoes. These make us adopt positions that are not suitable.

The ideal is to wear flat shoes with adequate support.

Also avoid bending as much as possible so as not to deform the spine. It is also necessary to limit the torsion of the bust. Don't be too abrupt when it comes to checking blind spots or backing up. But still, avoid stressful driving. Note that stress and nervousness cause muscle tension.

La lumbago can therefore be classified as an everyday disease. Although it is 100% curable, it renders some people incapacitated. However, we can live very well with this disease. If the patient follows the doctor's advice and adopts the right tips, driving will no longer be a handicap for him even with lumbago.

Resources

https://www.lombafit.com/entorse-lombaire/

References

https://www.medicol.ch/med/index.php/fr/maladies/lombalgie-mal-de-dos

https://www.reflexosteo.com/blog-sante-bien-etre/comment-menager-son-dos-en-voiture-154

Back to top