Prolonged periods of driving behind the wheel of a car can heighten incidences of neck and back pain for drivers and Citroën have teamed up with the British Chiropractic Association to raise awareness of the problem.

The French car manufacturer has teamed up with the BCA ahead of one of the busiest driving weekends of the year to offer tips and advice for long distance driving.

Adjust the driver’s seat and mirrors before each journey
The back of the seat should be slightly reclined, so that it feels natural to sit comfortably. The mirrors should also be set up so you can see all the way around the car without needing to move excessively. This will help to avoid neck strain from sudden and repeated head movements.

Sit comfortably
The benefits of a well-adjusted seat are outweighed if you don’t sit correctly. It is therefore important to sit back in the seat and up against the backrest, so that your spine rests comfortably against the lumbar support and the seat back.

Adjust the position of the steering wheel
Once seated, your hands should rest naturally on the steering wheel with a slight bend in your arms.

Check the seat is in the right position to operate the pedals correctly
The seat position should be set up so that your feet rest naturally on the pedals. Wearing soft-soled shoes is recommended when driving, as high heels or thick soles limit the movement of the legs and feet. Not only can this cause tension in your legs, but it is also unsafe if the driver needs to react quickly.

Take regular breaks
The human body isn’t designed to sit in one position for very long periods of time, so it is advisable to take regular breaks on longer drives.

Tim Button, BCA Chiropractor and Ergonomic Consultant, said: “Many of my patients have complained of neck or back pain when driving, particularly on long journeys, so it’s important that people are aware of the best ways to protect their back health while in their car.”

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