Expert's simple tweaks stave off back and neck pain behind the wheel

A few handy tips for all drivers plying the nation's motorways and A roads for hours at a time

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Keeping good posture while driving is easy to forget, but it makes a huge difference in how you feel, especially on long trips. There’s not much worse than stepping out of the driver’s seat after a long motorway journey feeling like you’ve been in an MMA bout. Hannah Prescott, an expert from Diamond Interiors , said simple tweaks to your seat and posture can do wonders for your comfort.

Things like setting up your lumbar support properly and sitting with your spine aligned can really help prevent back or neck pain during those long hours behind the wheel. "When you’re heading out on a long drive, paying attention to how you sit can save you from a lot of back and neck pain. Make sure your hips are all the way back in the seat to support your lower back.



This helps keep your spine in its natural position. READ MORE: Expert shares Autumn road safety tips and warns of error that could cost £100 “Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed against the seat to avoid hunching or tension. Think of it like this - just like you wouldn't go hiking in flip-flops, you shouldn't ignore how you sit on a long drive.

" Hannah also highlights the role of seat positioning, saying the way you set up your seat makes all the difference on a long drive. "Your knees should be just a bit lower than your hips to keep blood flowing well and your legs relaxed. "Adjust the seat back to around 100-110 degrees, which is great for your posture and helps prevent slouching.

If you have adjustable lumbar support, use it to fit the natural curve of your lower back." Even with perfect posture, staying in one position too long can make you stiff. Taking a break every couple of hours to stretch out and walk around a bit is something she highly recommended.

“Simple stretches like touching your toes or rolling your shoulders can do wonders for getting rid of tension in your back and neck. Moving regularly keeps your body feeling good and stops stiffness from setting in." If your car seat doesn’t have enough lumbar support, Hannah had a suggestion that could make all the difference "Grab a small cushion or lumbar roll to keep the natural curve of your spine supported.

It really helps distribute your weight more evenly and keeps you from feeling sore. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference on those long drives.”.