Ahead of World Spine Day 2022, car specialist group Motorfinity has partnered with Top Chiropractic in London to offer advice on how to improve posture, especially when driving.

Posture is just as important in a car as it is when sitting at a desk

Almost 32% of the UK population suffers from back pain or another form of musculoskeletal condition, according to research and bad posture is a common cause of this. According to the NHS, UK adults can spend up to nine hours a day sitting – whether that is while working at desks, relaxing or travelling – which can potentially lead to lifelong back problems.

Posture is just as important in a car as it is when sitting at a desk for a full day’s work. Over time, poor posture can alter the shape of the spine, preventing it from functioning as it should and leaving people at risk of conditions such as arthritis, poor circulation and breathing difficulties.

Dr Christian Caswell, principal chiropractor at Top Chiropractic, advised: “Bad posture can lead to dangerous driving as it encourages stress on certain joints of the spine, fatigue and poor concentration, while a good posture allows for better breathing and as a result, oxygenation of the blood and less tiredness.”

Caswell has shared five top tips for the correct driving position to adopt when making any car journey.

1. Sit back

Firstly, make sure you’re sitting right back into your seat so your bottom is pressed right against the backrest. It might feel odd at first and like you are too far away from the pedals, but it’s the best place to start before adjusting your position. Next, adjust the seat so that your hips are above your knees – and don’t sit too close to the steering wheel.

2. Your eye level should be above the steering wheel

Just as back posture is important, you want to reduce any possibility of strain on other parts of your body. Your eye level should be at least three inches above the steering wheel so you can see all controls easily and can look straight forward.

3. Don’t crane your neck to see your mirrors

Be sure to check your mirrors. The rear-view mirror should be positioned in a way that you can see traffic without having to crane your neck, and the wing mirrors should be at a position where you have to simply turn your head to see clearly, rather than your whole body.

4. Stretch out your legs

Avoid bending your knees too much. Your feet should be outstretched and rest on the pedals at a nice, low angle. If you drive an automatic, use the footrest to stretch your leg out even further. Putting weight through your legs at the wrong angle can place unnecessary load on your knee cartilage, which is made even worse if you sit forward and have your knees at a right-angle.

5. Take driving breaks

Finally, take breaks. Driving even with perfect posture will still cause fatigue and you will be able to feel that if you don’t frequently pause to stretch and move around. Listen to your body and take breaks whenever you feel you need it.

Daniel Briggs, CEO of Motorfinity – which provides discounted cars to frontline workers – added: “As a car provider we feel a certain amount of responsibility to keep our customers healthy and happy. Many drivers may not realise just how much bad posture is affecting their overall wellbeing, so it is important for drivers to act and adjust.”

• World Spine Day takes place annually on 16 October with the aim of highlighting the importance of spinal health and well-being. The 2022 theme of #EverySpineCounts focuses on the diversity of spinal pain and disability across the globe and the importance of essential health services.