If you drive HGVs, then you’ve probably racked up a good amount of miles on the road. Driving for prolonged periods of time often comes along with being an HGV driver, and this can actually impact your health in a number of ways. For starters, driving is usually the number one cause of lower back pain. Not only that, but driving can aggravate existing back pain, which can make it worse. One reason driving causes back pain is that the spine loses its natural curve. In turn, the discs become strained, and so do the lower back muscles. This can lead to pain in the back. Driving in cramped conditions or on uneven surfaces can make things worse. The good news is there are a few tips to help save your spine. These tips include:
Before Starting The Engine, Get Comfortable
Before you start the engine to your HGV, get as comfortable as possible. Searching for ‘driver CPC‘ will show you results near you. Remember, you’ll be behind the wheel for a long time. Even the smallest irritant right at the start of your trip can lead to major pain later down the road. This is why you want to get rid of irritants right from the beginning of your trip. Remove your wallet, keys and phones from your pockets, as well as anything else. This includes all of your pockets, especially the back pockets. Things that are stored in the back pocket can cause your spine to become misaligned, so removing stuff from your pockets can make a huge difference. You want to make sure you’re seated in the proper position. Sit up straight and keep your legs slighting above the hips, and make sure your shin is up. This will ensure you’re sitting in a way that will keep your spine straight. Also, your spine should remain in contact with your seat. Feel free to add support to your seat. When you’re finally comfortable, you’ll want to do your best to remain in the position for the duration of your trip. Figuring out which position is the most comfortable for you can take time, but it is worth it because it means you’ll be protecting your back.
Take Frequent Breaks
Surviving long journeys in a vehicle is all about taking breaks. Your spine is designed to move, even though your spine is just a long strand. Your spine can become very stiff and you’ll be at risk of experiencing muscle aches in your back if you sit in a single position for long periods of time. Taking a 5-10 minute break to just walk around a rest stop is better than taking no breaks at all. Moving around will keep you limber, and it will keep your spine loose. try not to bend when you’re taking your breaks, nor should you do any strenuous exercising because after being inactive for a long period of time, your back will be more susceptible to injury.
Ease Up On Your Grip
During long drives, it’s not just your back that can end up in pain. HGV drivers often experience both neck and shoulder pain, and this is due to them tensing their shoulders and neck. This can also be caused by gripping the wheel too tightly, so you should ease up on your grip if you want to reduce the chances of you experiencing neck and shoulder pain.