Low back pain | Driving
September 22, 2007 11:08 pmSaturday, September 22, 2007
Driving a car is a risk factor for low back pain. Our society is dependent on automobiles for both work and leisure. This leads to a corresponding increase in time spent seated in the car with a greater risk of low back pain and absence from work.
Occupational driving especially those whose driving time is >4 h/day has often been associated with a high prevalence of back pain. The factors that contribute to cause the pain are diverse and might include:
- prolonged sitting
- poor driving postures
- exposure to whole-body vibration
- frequent bending/twisting activities while driving
- self-perceived job stress
- job dissatisfaction
- cumulative effects of the duration of daily professional driving
- other non-driving factors such as heavy lifting, poor diet or other psychosocial factors.
It has been found that the chances for lower back pain increases with the number of miles driven and number of working hours.
The prevalence of low-back pain was noted to be higher in those not using lumbar support. As for backrest inclination, those who choose 105 degrees as opposed to those who chose 120 degrees tend to have a greater incidence of low back pain.
Studies have shown the beneficial effects of lumbar massage systems in increasing muscle blood flow and oxygenation in thoracic and lumbar erector spinae musculature during a 1 h simulated driving task. Using massage systems while driving can thus be beneficial.
The shortening of working hours and taking of rest breaks while working should be considered to reduce the incidence of low back pain in those who must drive long hours professionally.
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