Can Driving Cause Lower Back Pain?

Driving a car for long periods can cause lower back pain. Being restricted to sitting in the same position for an extended period can generate this pain. Whether it’s a road trip or a commute to work, lower back pain can make it difficult and uncomfortable to drive. Dr. Han Jo Kim and his staff are dedicated to treating patients’ back pain with the proper care. If you experience lower back pain from driving or other activities, see our back pain doctor Long Island.

Other factors that may contribute to lower back pain while driving include:

• Poor seat support: If the car seat doesn’t provide adequate support for the lower back, it can cause discomfort and pain over time.
• Vibrations from the car: Driving on bumpy roads or over rough terrain can cause vibrations that can lead to muscle strain and back pain.
• Prolonged periods of driving: Long periods of driving without taking breaks to stretch or move around can contribute to lower back pain.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can consist of different types of pain ranging from a dull ache to a shooting sensation. As a result, it may make it difficult to do simple tasks like standing or moving. Lower back pain that is persistent for longer than three months is considered “chronic pain.” Contact our back pain doctor Long Island if the following symptoms occur:

• Back pain persists for a few weeks
• Back pain doesn’t improve with rest
• The pain spreads down one or both legs
• Pain causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
• Pain results in unexplained weight loss

Tips for Preventing Lower Back Pain While Driving

Being behind the wheel can trigger lower back pain and discomfort. To decrease your chances of suffering from lower back pain while driving, consider the following tips:

• Use lumbar support– Place a rolled-up towel or cushion at the lower back around the belt level.
• Move the seat forward– Get as close to the steering wheel as possible to prevent slouching or straining.
• Angle the seat– Adjust the back of the seat at an angle between 100 to 110 degrees.
• Use cruise control– When safe to do so, use the cruise control to allow you to place both feet on the floor and distribute your weight more evenly.
• Take breaks to stop– Stop as often as you can to stand up and stretch.
• Adjust your hand placement– Research has found putting your hands at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock allows you to rest your elbows on the armrests. This can ease or prevent pain in the back.
• Heat your seat– If your car has the function to do so, use your heated seats to relax the muscles in the back.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

If you are suffering from lower back pain see Dr. Han Jo Kim to get a proper diagnosis. The specialist will ask a series of questions concerning you and your back pain. After these initial questions, a series of tests may be performed to determine the severity of the back pain. Some of the tests that may be taken are X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. In addition, a plan of treatment will be discussed. Some of the things the specialist will ask for include:

• A description of the type of pain
• The location of the pain
• When it started
• Related symptoms
• Any history of a chronic condition

At-Home Remedies for Lower Back Pain

Some home remedies can be done to ease lower back pain. One remedy includes applying heat from a heating pad or warm bath to provide temporary relief. An ice pack can also be applied to reduce inflammation. Another recommendation is to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. A pain reliever such as acetaminophen is also an option. One final remedy is to apply medicated creams, salves, ointments, or patches. These can help the affected area and relieve stiffness, soreness, and tenseness.

Lower Back Pain Doctor Long Island Treatment

Depending on the situation and severity, our back specialist may recommend the following courses of treatment for patients suffering from lower back pain:

• Prescription pain relievers
• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy
• Nerve stimulation
• Spinal injections
• Acupuncture

Surgery For Lower Back Pain

In more severe cases of lower back pain, back surgery may be necessary. Some surgeries are more invasive than others. Healing periods, pain during recovery, and duration of inpatient hospital stays may vary depending on the type of surgery. With modern surgical approaches, some spine surgeries can even be completed on an outpatient basis with a shorter recovery period. 

Contact Us

If driving has caused you to suffer from lower back pain, use home remedies for pain relief and see Dr. Han Jo Kim and his licensed staff can confront your back pain and help you find comfort with a proper diagnosis and treatment. Schedule an appointment with our team today!