Road Trip Tips for that Long Road Ahead from New City Chiropractic Center

Despite the snow on the ground at the moment, the weather will soon warm up, and you will be plotting all those road trips – trips to family or friends, vacation locations, or simple weekend get aways. Don’t let your fun journey become a literal pain in the neck. There are several ways to ensure that you are less likely to be stiff and achy when you arrive, helping you to enjoy your time with Nana in Florida.

Driving around town and on the highway, we often notice the cool guy leaning way too far back in his seat, or the driver who is sitting so far forward he could turn the steering wheel with his shoulders. The unfortunate fact is that most drivers, and this may include you, sit in their cars incorrectly. Proper driving ergonomics can limit injuries, make you a safer driver, and help reduce driving fatigue. Here are some helpful tips to make that drive, short or long, more comfortable

When sitting in your car you should be able fully press down on all pedals without shifting forward in your seat to do so. With that in mind, sit as far away from the steering wheel as you comfortably can, with the center of the steering wheel pointed at your chest NOT your face. Hopefully the airbag will never have to deploy, but if it does, this will ensure that it has enough room to expand without injuring you.

Adjust your seat and position it so that your knees are parallel or slightly below your hips. The back of the seat should be upright or with a very slight lean back to ensure proper spinal alignment.

Remember that the headrest should be directly behind your head; it should be almost touching the back of your head if you lean back even slightly.

Most people have been taught to grab the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 positions, but it will be easier on your neck and shoulders, and will make you a more responsive driver, if you sit with your hands at the 9 and 3 positions instead.

It is important to have proper lumbar support in your car. Newer vehicles come with adjustable lumbar settings, but if you have an older car, or a car with a worn seat, a lumbar support pillow should be on your shopping list. Be sure that your lumbar support pillow is made of firm foam; avoid memory foam or mesh pillows as they tend to lose their shape.

Now that you are positioned correctly in your car, remember to take breaks during your trip, especially if you are going to logging a lot of miles. It is better to arrive relaxed and a little later, than to get there quickly and in pain; if your trip is a long one, this becomes essential. It is too common an occurrence where patients arrive at our office in pain, because they didn’t want to “waste time stopping.” This isn’t the Monaco Grand Prix, we all want to get where we are going efficiently, but safety and health are also important.

If after reading this article you have any other questions about proper driving ergonomics, or what kind of support is right for you, please visit www.newcitychiropractic.com or call the office at 845-634-8877. Dr. Michael Cocilovo or Dr. Gil Rodriguez would be glad to take the time to show you how to properly position your driver’s seat for the best ergonomic set up.

More tips and an upcoming free workshop schedule, can be found on their website at www.newcitychiropractic.com. New City Chiropractic Center has been serving the Rockland County area for three decades providing chiropractic care to those ages six months and up. Other workshop topics include managing stress, reversing diabetes, and back safety. A Certified Sports Team Physician, Dr. Michael Cocilovo is also one of a select group of chiropractors who is certified to perform Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA). He is a long-time member of the New York State Chiropractic Association and is Past President of the Rockland County Chapter of the American Chiropractic Association. Dr. Gil Rodriguez is board certified in Chiropractic and Physiotherapy by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and a current member of the American Chiropractic Association, as well as of the New York State Chiropractic Association. He is also fluent in Spanish and has developed a Spanish version of their website at http://elcentroquiropractico.com/.

The office is located at 490 Route 304 in New City and they can be reached by calling 845-634-8877 or info@newcitychiropractic.com

# # #