Drivers With Lower Back Pain: What To Look For In A Car

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Experts estimate that up to 80 percent of American adults have lower back pain. What's more, this problem is the second most common reason that people go to the doctor. Driving can easily exacerbate lower back pain, so it's important to choose a make and model of car that can help you manage the condition while you are behind the wheel. If you are one of the many Americans who suffer with this problem, learn more about four features you should look for in your next test drive.

A supportive ride

A bouncy car can lead to agony for a driver with back pain. Pinched nerves, inflamed tendons and herniated discs can all lead to lower back pain, and a car that bounces around too much will cause problems every time you move.

There are lots of reasons for a bouncy ride. For example, if the tires are underinflated or the shocks are worn, the car will feel bouncier than it should. However, if the car is new or has recently undergone repairs, you need to carefully gauge how firm the car's suspension is. For example, a low-slung sports car will probably have firm suspension, which is probably not what you're looking for. Hatchbacks and super-minis also tend to have firmer suspension, so you may want to opt for a sedan or an SUV that has a less firm suspension system. 

The right seating position

The right seating position is crucial for a driver who suffers with back pain, and it's important to remember that certain car styles don't offer the sort of seats that will suit you. For example, sports cars often have close-fitting bucket seats. These seats hold the driver in place when he or she speeds around a corner, but this side bolstering is unkind to anyone with back pain.

Remember that your height, weight and build will all influence a comfortable seating position, but certain principles are important for everyone. For example, a good seating position means your knees should not rest above your hip joints, so make sure you can always sit with your knees and hips at a ninety-degree angle.

Find a car with a seat that allows multiple adjustments to suit your posture, ideally with a memory setting that makes it easier to restore the position if other people use the car. Seats that allow you to adjust the cushion angle and length are particularly useful, as this can help cut the amount of stress transferred to your back.

Heated seats

If you need to drive on a day when your back is particularly painful, certain seat features can help ease the pain and control your symptoms. Warming the lower back is an effective way to alleviate pain, especially on a longer car journey when sitting down may aggravate your back pain. You can take heat wraps or heat pads with you, but electronic heated seats are easier to use. These seats can deliver a continuous low level of heat that can help you keep your back muscles warm.

Adjustable lumbar support

The way you sit in a car is not a natural ergonomic position, and sitting down makes it harder to maintain the right lumbar lordosis. A small amount of lordosis (inward curve of the lumbar spine) is normal, but too much curving (or swayback) can lead to back pain.

Many cars now feature lumbar support systems that aim to help you fill the small of your back and prevent swayback. If your spine bends forward too much, you can cause more serious problems with your back. Look for a lumber support system that offers multiple adjustments that you can tailor to your body.

Back pain causes misery for millions of Americans, but some car features can help you control or alleviate your symptoms. Talk to a used car dealer for more information and advice about interest to buy pre-owned Fords in your area with these features. 

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6 June 2016