Since joining the robust clinic in the highlands as a sports massage therapist, I have frequently been asked which type of people I see the most. They vary a lot, with age, occupation, athletes, non-athletes.
One area we want to show awareness to is people who get upper and lower back pain from long periods of driving.
Taxi drivers, lorry drivers, bus drivers, commuters. These people spend hours on end sat in a fixed position having to concentrate on the roads and their job at hand, not on how they're sitting or the position they're keeping their body in for excessive amounts of time. It is well documented that people who sit at office desks, people who lift heavy objects as part of their work or those who do hard manual labour all suffer from back pain. However, I feel it appropriate to address drivers as people who also commonly suffer from back pain and hence the reasoning behind this piece.
Most of us are aware of the backache and stiff legs that come from long trips on the road. You drive for a long period of time, stop for some food or a coffee, get out, have a stretch, walk for a bit and shake your legs out... It’s a common theme when on the road, but what is it doing to your body?
Positioning - Poor positioning of your back, legs and neck can all lead to strain on your spine and result in pain through your back.
Vibrations and Jarring - The constant vibrations and jarring your back experiences while in a car has been shown to increase your risk of back pain and sciatica. A study published in the International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health showed those who drive for a living, have twice the risk of experiencing sciatica and lower back pain than those who don't.
Support - Back pain can result from lack of support in a car seat, this may be due to the design or the seat positioning. Or, when you drive you're actively using your feet, one on the accelerator and one on the clutch, when your feet are active they can't help stabilise and support your lower body like they would typically do when placing them if sitting in a chair.
Fixed position - Our bodies, and backs specifically are designed to move and have mobility, being stuck in an uncomfortable static position for a long time whilst driving can result in problems within your back.
These are just a few examples of the detrimental affect driving has on the human body, can you relate?
Are you somebody who spends many hours/miles in a vehicle, for example a taxi/lorry/bus/delivery driver.. Could you use or do with a massage?
If so, please do not hesitate to get in touch either by phone or email using the details below, alternatively you can book online through the website - robustclinic.com.
Telephone number: 07470639020
Email: info@robustclinic.com
The above information was researched and written by Sports Massage Therapist, Josh Meekings
