A Handy Guide To Correcting Bad Posture

Keep Car Seat Up Straight

While it can be tempting to recline the seat on a long car trip, researchers suggest drivers and passengers keep the car seats up straight. Doing so may help prevent aches and pains, and it can also preserve good posture. While driving, there should be a slight space between the lumbar curve and the backrest of the driver's seat. If the entire spine makes contact with the backrest, this suggests the driver is rounding the spine. A rounded cervical spine or neck could push the head forward, and this may increase the risk for whiplash and other injuries in the event of a car accident. Musculoskeletal experts suggest drivers adjust the seat and headrest so the spine, neck, and head are in a neutral, upright position. To get a clear understanding of driving posture, it can be helpful to have a friend take a photo of the driver sitting in the driver's seat. If necessary, adding gel or memory foam seat cushions could provide greater comfort and make it easier for drivers to maintain proper posture.