Back To Back Traffic Could Be Damaging Your Spine, Warns Experienced Chiropractor in Southend

traffic in southend on seaChristmas is fast approaching and that means at one point or another, most of us will find ourselves gridlocked in a traffic jam. Yep, we’ve all been there; stuck in a soul-sucking endless queue of frosted cars; exhausted and aching after a frantic day of Christmas shopping (oh, the joys!).

According to research from INRIX, people in the UK wasted an average of 30 hours sitting in traffic in 2014 alone!* And our award winning team chiropractors in Southend warn that this could be putting dangerous amounts of pressures on our spines. With the likelihood that you will be at standstill  in your car at some point over the festive period, this is an important time to protect your back when you’re driving.

Here is our advice to you to keep your back safe this Christmas:

1: Make Suitable Adjustments

Before you set off on your journey, adjust your seat to the right position for you. Tilt the back of the seat slightly backwards, allowing your elbows to be in a comfortable and relaxed driving position.

2:  Check Your Steering Position

If your seat is adjusted to the correct position for you, your hands should naturally fall onto the steering wheel – with a slight bend in each of your arms. A steering wheel that is set too high and far away from your body will create added tension in your upper back and shoulders. If the wheel is too low and close to you, your ability to turn it correctly may be reduced, which will put added strain on your wrists and again, your upper back.

3: Choose Appropriate Footwear

If you’re on your way to a party and wearing killer heels, then take them off for driving – there’s plenty of time to look elegant when you leave the car!

You should avoid wearing any kind of high heels or thick-soled shoes as this will mean you will have to over-extend your ankles to place adequate pressure on the pedals. Not only will this make you less likely to perform an emergency stop, but the position will raise your thigh from your seat; reducing that crucial support to your leg. This lack of leg support can create calf tension and cramp and will impair the blood flow during long journeys.

So there you have it; three top tips from our leading Southend chiropractors to ensure that your back doesn’t suffer the stress of traffic jams!

Why not take a few minutes to watch this video that we made to show you how to set up your driving position to protect your back (link to video here).

To book an appointment with our award winning team of dedicated chiropractors, contact Cliffs Chiropractor Southend on 01702 430430.

*www.inrix.com