According to the UK Health and Safety Executive, musculoskeletal disorders which include back pain cost UK employers between £590 million and £624 million per year – after stress, chronic back pain is the leading reason for time off work. Although the causes are varied, driving is a major factor.  Dr Alasdair Wright takes a look at the effect driving can have on your back.

Back pain is common and NHS estimates suggest that one in five people visit their doctor each year due to back pain. In England, chronic back pain has become the second most common reason for long-term disability and inability to work after arthritis.

Many people rely on driving as an essential part of life, helping them get to work, take children to school or do their job. According to research by the British Chiropractic Association, driving is the most common form of commuting, with 55 per cent of people driving to work each day.

But while it’s a useful means of getting from A to B, frequently spending hours in your car could have an impact on your back.

Why does driving affect back health?

Two key reasons for developing back pain include poor posture and being in a fixed position for extended periods of time – both of which are common issues for drivers.

“Our backs are designed to move, so being stuck in an uncomfortable static position while driving is a recipe for problems,” explains GP Dr Alasdair Wright.

“After being immobile for some time, the sudden action of getting in and out, or loading goods to or from, your vehicle can put your spine at risk.”

He adds: “The majority of people will suffer with low back pain at some stage in their life but those who need to drive for long periods on a regular basis are particularly at risk.”

How to prevent pain and damage

If you commute to work by car, or spend a fair amount of time driving each day, there are practical steps you can take to prevent back pain and damage.

Here are Dr Wright’s tips for drivers.

• Set your car seat height so that your hips are at the same height as your knees (having your knees higher creates an unnatural position for your back).
• Move the steering wheel up or down to the most comfortable position.
• Adjust your seat forwards or back so your elbows are bent at 20-30 degrees, with your hands at the 10 and 2 o’clock position on the wheel. 
• Position your bottom all the way to the back of the seat to support the natural ‘S’ shaped curvature of the spine.
• Adjust your headrest so that the mid portion of the back of your head meets the middle of the cushion when you rest your head back. 
• Position your mirrors so that you can easily see all around without straining your back or neck.

Driving for a living

For people who drive for a living, such as lorry drivers, taxi drivers or bus drivers, being in a vehicle for extended periods of time comes with the job but could potentially increase the risk of developing back problems.

If your job involves driving, following the advice above from Dr Wright and adjusting your seat and driving position to ensure you’re not putting extra strain on your back is a good starting point.

“All drivers should aim to have a break every two to three hours, so that you can move your back, hips and knees. Even a few minutes of walking or stretching will improve your concentration and make the rest of your journey more comfortable,” he adds.

If your job also involves lifting items in and out of your vehicle, ensure your lower back is kept straight and that you bend from your knees, as this will reduce the strain on your back. Your back is very vulnerable when you lift incorrectly, especially after you’ve been static for a long period of time.

Your health at work is an important concern and all employers should ensure jobs don’t put an employee’s health at risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has guidelines for employers and employees regarding safe driving and lifting; Work Smart has useful information too (see ‘Useful links’ below).

When back pain needs further investigation

Sometimes back pain needs further investigation, as it may be caused by something other than driving. 

NHS Direct advises that, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should see your GP.

• Inflammation or swelling on your back
• Constant pain that doesn’t ease after resting
• Pain high up in your back or that travels to your chest
• Pain in your legs 
• Unexplained weight loss
• A high temperature (38C/104F or above)
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness around your buttocks

If you have any questions about back pain and how to avoid or treat it, then ask our panel of experts.

Useful links

British Chiropractic Association - www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/

Health and Safety Executive - www.hse.gov.uk/

Work Smart - www.worksmart.org.uk