• Change hand position on the steering wheel , and don ’ t squeeze harder than necessary .
• A back support cushion or rolled towel may be used to provide extra support for the low back .
These are very simple guidelines that decrease the amount of stress on joints while driving . By following these , drivers would do their bodies a huge favor in decreasing the wear and tear of their joints over the years .
Here are some more tips for when outside of the truck :
Take plenty of breaks ! Use these to walk and stretch out . The key is doing this in between driving . This is much more beneficial than walking after the entire trip is over . Don ’ t go from sitting for a long period of time to a task that requires lifting and carrying . Give your back a few minutes to adjust by doing paperwork or talking with a client instead . Never twist your back when entering or exiting your truck . Turn your body first when stepping up or down . This goes for carrying objects objects too . Turn with your feet instead of twisting the spine .
Tips for proper posture while driving :
• Don ’ t drive with your wallet in your back pocket . ( This will even out the hips to keep the entire low back in balance while driving .)
• Don ’ t cross your legs for long periods of time .
• Your ankles should be in front of your knees .
• Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat . ( This helps with blood circulation .)
• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips , and your feet flat on the floor .
• Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time so shift your pelvis back and forth and side to side often . ( This provides movement to spinal joints to maintain flexibility .)
• Adjust the mirrors so they can all be seen without slouching or twisting .
• Relax your shoulders , and keep your forearms parallel to the ground as much as possible .
• Vary your seat position slightly every 30 minutes to vary stress on the body .
11 | TIBO Magazine - Winter 2017
It ’ s the small tweaks that make the biggest difference . Truck drivers will benefit considerably by consistently using some of the tips outlined above . And remember , a little prevention goes a long way .
Sunil Verma DC , BS Health Infusion Chiropractic & Pain Relief Center healthinfusionchiro . com
Dr . Sunil Verma is the owner of Livingston Chiropractic Clinic and Health Infusion Chiropractic . Services that are offered are Physiotherapy , Spinal Rehabilitation , Massage and DOT Physicals www . TIBOmagazine . com