Drive without pain – new guide for commercial drivers

9th June 2014

Poor ergonomics and sitting in the same position behind the wheel for a long time are key factors in driver discomfort.

Professional and commercial drivers in particular can experience a range of musculoskeletal problems, including back, neck, shoulder and leg pain.

To make driving more comfortable, the Chartered Institute of Physiotherapy has published a step-by-step guide to setting your driving position correctly, plus some ideas for simple stretches when you take a break from the wheel:

• Shoulders – shrug your shoulders up and down and roll them forwards and backwards to relieve tension.

• Upper arms and chest – interlock your hands together with palms out, stretch arms forward and hold, then up to the roof and hold.

• Legs and feet – when your feet are off the pedals, bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor, then push on the balls of the feet until your heels rise up.

• Neck – slowly tilt your ear towards your right shoulder and hold, then repeat on the left side.  Place your chin towards your chest and hold.  Look straight ahead and turn your head from left to right, holding at each side.

Also avoid remaining in one fixed driving posture while driving, says the guide.  Any posture, no matter how good it is, can lead to discomfort if it is held for too long.  Adopt a range of safe, comfortable driving positions.