Choosing a car

WE all vary in shapes and sizes and therefore to suggest a specific car that will help to minimise back pain is an impossible tasks. However there are a number of points to consider when choosing a car so that back pain can be prevented or at least reduced by allowing the driver to have adequate car back support and hence to adopt a good driving posture.

NOTE: The more adjustable features that are on offer within a car - the higher chances for you to find the right position to establish correct posture.

1. Lumbar support You should feel the back rest provides continuous car back support along the whole length of your back;However, often the shape of the car seat is not compatible with your back structure. In this case - a car back support with build in lumber support may bring an adequate solution.

2. Seating Has got to feel comfortable and supportive;Make sure that the height and tilt can be adjusted independently of each other;The base of the seat should be the right size for your thighs and offer space between the edge of the seat and your knees to prevent building pressure behind your knees;The seat should be wider than your hips and thighs;From your seat you should be able to reach the pedals or controls easily while keeping good all round vision.

3. Back rest Optimal height is shoulder height and rear vision should not be abstracted;Widthwise back rest in your car should support your shoulders.

4. Steering wheel Make sure the wheel can be adjusted in and out as well as up and down;Power steering is a must;Position of the steering wheel is important - if it is not centrally positioned the steering may cause extra strain on your spine;The display panel should not be abstracted by the steering wheel.

5. Boot The height of the boot should be appropriate for your needs, e.g. if you manually handling load in and out of the boot make sure that the sill height is not too low to avoid the risk of an injury.

6. Car environment Leg and head room should be suitable for your body height and feel comfortable;Air conditioning will provide extra comfort that will help you to relax;Make sure not you use your car as an office space as it will cause your body to perform movements that will put extra strain of your back and cause poor posture.Trust your own senses and if you feel that discomfort in your back is not going away make sure to see a specialist (GP, occupational health specialist such as a nurse, physiotherapist or ergonomist.)

Material adopted from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Publication, 2001