Many patients experience a worsening of their body pain and headaches when driving a car. Efficient car seat set up and posture can dramatically reduce these symptoms.
The overall goal is to look more like a bus driver than a rally car driver. This means that you tend to have the seat a bit higher and a little closer to the steering wheel, with the seat back a little straighter as well. Good lumbar support actually helps to lessen the curve at the top of your back and prevents your head from slumping forward. The seat pan of many car seats tends to angle too far back, closing up the hips. Flattening out the seat pan is helpful if this is adjustable. Alternately a wedge-shaped cushion can be purchased off the internet and placed with the thick end at the back of the seat pan.
Dr. Chris Homan
MBBS FRACGP FACRRM DRANZCOG PGDipMSM(Otago)