Do you wish you didn't have to drive two hours a day in your car just to get to work? Are you sometimes stiff after sitting in your car for an hour in traffic? Have you ever developed sciatica when driving your car? Millions of commuters drive long distances just to get from their homes to the places they call work and their primary mode of transportation is often an automobile. Automobile seats used to be basic L-shaped cushioned seats that primarily served as a place for a driver to rest his legs and drive the car. However, in recent years car seats have taken on multipurpose function offering drivers a multitude of adjustment possibility and the advent of safer and healthier commutes.
While most of the more expensive luxury cars have multiple electric modes of adjustments for their seats, many middle expense and lower end models are now offering their model line-ups with multifunction capability. The reason for the increased development of car seat ergonomics is consumers demand it and require it. When a driver doesn't have a comfortable seat to sit in, he is more prone to accident and injury to other drivers.
If your car is equipped with a lumbar support, you should use it. A lumbar support is a small padded surface that usually sits behind the lower back region. This support aids in maintenance of the lumbar curve known as the lordosis. Studies show when your lumbar curve is maintained while sitting, there is 300% less strain on your lumbar discs. Moreover, the muscles of the lumbar spine are holding your spine in position instead of the weight of your spine and body resting on the ligament holds of the spine. Additionally, if your car seat allows you to tilt forward slightly with the thighs a little lower than the hips, this will help you further maintain the lumbar curve of your spine.If your automobile is not equipped with lumbar support or tilt forward features, you can purchase an economically priced lumbar support at stores such as "Relax the Back" or online. Sometimes, even using a towel folded over or a small pillow will work. You may also sit on a towel or wedge shaped pillow to elevate your hips higher if this feels comfortable for you.
With regards to seat distance placement from the steering wheel and the gas pedals, your arms should be slightly bent at the elbows approximately 30-60 degrees and your feet would comfortably reach the pedals so you don't have to reach. Excessive reaching for the steering wheel and the gas pedals strains gluteal muscles and neck muscles that will lead to cramping.
If you are going to take a long car drive, you should plan on taking breaks to get out of the car and stretch your legs and your back. Approximately every 2 hours is a good general rule for how often to stop for a break. Exercising your legs, back, and neck can also be accomplished when you turn on the cruise control. Simple movements like rocking the pelvis forward and back will exercise the lumbar spine and shifting your weight from the right and to the left buttock cheek will aid in blood flow to the legs. Rolling your shoulders and neck is easy to accomplish by removing one hand at a time from the steering wheel. However, make sure you pay attention to the road when doing this maneuver.
If you follow some of these helpful guidelines on your long car trips, you will arrive refreshed and feeling great at your destination
Dr. Warren Bruhl
Dr. Warren Bruhl has practiced on the North Shore of Chicago for 21 years. He is board certified in chiropractic pediatrics through the ICA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. Dr. Bruhl has been featured on ABC News and Parenting Life. He is the author of, "The Chiropractors Exercise Manual." Dr. Bruhl practices a variety of soft chiropractic techniques that involve no cracking of the spine. He also offers his patients traditional cracking spinal methods. His practice is diverse and offers massage therapy, exercise rehab, physical therapy, clinical detoxification programs, and nutritional therapy. Dr. Bruhl is a practitioner who practices what he teaches. He is a former bodybuilder and triathlete. He loves to coach little league baseball and is highly active in the community. Dr. Bruhl is married with three children. He is available for public speaking and writing health related articles for publication. Dr. Bruhl may be reached at (847)835-4700 or contacted through his website at lakefrontchiro.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Warren_Bruhl
While most of the more expensive luxury cars have multiple electric modes of adjustments for their seats, many middle expense and lower end models are now offering their model line-ups with multifunction capability. The reason for the increased development of car seat ergonomics is consumers demand it and require it. When a driver doesn't have a comfortable seat to sit in, he is more prone to accident and injury to other drivers.
If your car is equipped with a lumbar support, you should use it. A lumbar support is a small padded surface that usually sits behind the lower back region. This support aids in maintenance of the lumbar curve known as the lordosis. Studies show when your lumbar curve is maintained while sitting, there is 300% less strain on your lumbar discs. Moreover, the muscles of the lumbar spine are holding your spine in position instead of the weight of your spine and body resting on the ligament holds of the spine. Additionally, if your car seat allows you to tilt forward slightly with the thighs a little lower than the hips, this will help you further maintain the lumbar curve of your spine.If your automobile is not equipped with lumbar support or tilt forward features, you can purchase an economically priced lumbar support at stores such as "Relax the Back" or online. Sometimes, even using a towel folded over or a small pillow will work. You may also sit on a towel or wedge shaped pillow to elevate your hips higher if this feels comfortable for you.
With regards to seat distance placement from the steering wheel and the gas pedals, your arms should be slightly bent at the elbows approximately 30-60 degrees and your feet would comfortably reach the pedals so you don't have to reach. Excessive reaching for the steering wheel and the gas pedals strains gluteal muscles and neck muscles that will lead to cramping.
If you are going to take a long car drive, you should plan on taking breaks to get out of the car and stretch your legs and your back. Approximately every 2 hours is a good general rule for how often to stop for a break. Exercising your legs, back, and neck can also be accomplished when you turn on the cruise control. Simple movements like rocking the pelvis forward and back will exercise the lumbar spine and shifting your weight from the right and to the left buttock cheek will aid in blood flow to the legs. Rolling your shoulders and neck is easy to accomplish by removing one hand at a time from the steering wheel. However, make sure you pay attention to the road when doing this maneuver.
If you follow some of these helpful guidelines on your long car trips, you will arrive refreshed and feeling great at your destination
Dr. Warren Bruhl
Dr. Warren Bruhl has practiced on the North Shore of Chicago for 21 years. He is board certified in chiropractic pediatrics through the ICA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. Dr. Bruhl has been featured on ABC News and Parenting Life. He is the author of, "The Chiropractors Exercise Manual." Dr. Bruhl practices a variety of soft chiropractic techniques that involve no cracking of the spine. He also offers his patients traditional cracking spinal methods. His practice is diverse and offers massage therapy, exercise rehab, physical therapy, clinical detoxification programs, and nutritional therapy. Dr. Bruhl is a practitioner who practices what he teaches. He is a former bodybuilder and triathlete. He loves to coach little league baseball and is highly active in the community. Dr. Bruhl is married with three children. He is available for public speaking and writing health related articles for publication. Dr. Bruhl may be reached at (847)835-4700 or contacted through his website at lakefrontchiro.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Warren_Bruhl
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