How to Save Your Back While Driving

Your body is subjected to a lot of force in a moving car, especially behind the wheel as the driver. Without proper care and prevention, you may suffer from joint pain and long-term health issues. At ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge, VA, Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo is passionate about preventative care, especially when it comes to the bad posture and body aches that come from driving. Here are a few tips and tricks to use the next time you’re on the road. 

 

Adjust Your Seat

One of the first steps to preventing bad posture while driving is adjusting your seat. Start by fixing your seat height, making sure you can see the road and dashboard. At the same time, your seat height should not strain your back or neck when bending down or turning towards the side. For shorter drivers, a cushion for more comfort and to reach the steering wheel is recommended. Keep your right foot relaxed on the pedals, with the heel touching the floor. Use the balls of your feet to press the accelerator or brake pedals. Unless using the clutch, the left foot should remain in the footrest. 

 

Adjust Your Steering Wheel

Your hands around the steering wheel should be in the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. Bring the steering wheel towards you, taking care it doesn’t block any important information on your car’s dashboard. Your Woodbridge, VA chiropractor also recommends keeping your arms relaxed and elbows rested on the seat’s armrests.

 

Use the Mirror Trick

A simple technique that encourages good posture is the old mirror trick. In a sitting position at the driver’s seat, adjust your rear and side mirrors. This way you’re forced to sit up straight whenever you have to use them as you drive, resulting in terrific posture!

 

Take Breaks

If you’re driving a road trip, incorporate short stops along your route to stretch. A 15-minute break will do wonders to relax your muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce numbness in the lower limbs. 

 

To learn more about how to drive safely, contact Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo at ACT Wellness Center at 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia. Call 703-491-9355 today. 

 

 

10 Tips to Prevent Neck Pain

Neck pain happens, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever. With some lifestyle adjustments, you can prevent neck pain altogether. We at ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge, VA take pride in educating our patients about good spinal health. Since many of our patients experience neck pain, it's important to take a step back and see what causes it. Only then can you take the necessary steps to treat and ultimately prevent neck pain!

 

Prevent neck pain by:

 

- Sleeping on your back

- Drinking plenty of water

- Making sure you are using a comfortable and supported pillow

- Making sure your computer monitor is at eye level

- When texting, keeping your mobile phone at eye level, taking breaks, or using talk-text

- When making a phone call, using a headset or earpiece

- Stretching, exercising, and strengthening your neck muscles

- Carrying weight on your person so that it is evenly distributed

- Practicing a supportive posture (no slumping or hunching!)

- Holding your phone at a distance rather than right in front of you

 

It’s important to seek professional help if you ever experience numbness, tingling, and pain in your arms, or headaches and weakness. Ineffective pain medication is another indicator that you should see a chiropractor. Dr. Caratozzolo offers an array of therapies to help patients with neck pain.

 

Are you interested in treating your neck pain with chiropractic adjustments? We are happy to address any concerns or answer any questions you have! ACT Wellness Center is located at 14111 Minnieville Rd. in Woodbridge, VA 22193. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit actwellness.com or call the office at 703-491-9355.