Did you know there are around 2 million Uber and Lyft drivers in the United States? This number will continue to rise as people choose to be their own boss, set their own schedules, and have financial freedom. While those benefits are great, people that drive for a living can suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as headaches and fatigue. Let’s take a look at some tips to help these drivers achieve better health with less pain and discomfort.
What Are Some Tips to Help Uber and Lyft Drivers?
Take Breaks Regularly
Like truck drivers or anyone taking a long road trip, it’s important to take regular breaks. Humans are not designed to sit still for hours a day. When you do not have a rider, a helpful tip is to get out of your vehicle and move around for a few minutes. If possible, try to do this throughout your work day. This simple tip can help prevent you from experiencing pain and reduce any existing pain or discomfort you have.
Use Proper Back Support
When you drive for a living, your back requires proper support to maintain good posture and a comfortable, relaxed position. Many ride-sharing drivers invest in an ergonomic car seat pillow that will support their lower back and thus, reduce fatigue and pain. This is a helpful item to have, especially for those that plan on driving for Uber or Lyft for several years. Your back will thank you!
Adjust Your Seat
By adjusting your driver seat, this can help you find an optimal seat position. This can reduce the pressure being placed on your spine, hips, shoulders, neck, and head. Just like a desk job, the correct seat position can mean the difference between pain and comfort.
What’s the Correct Seat Position?
Your back should be pressed against the back of your seat. Then, adjust your seat position, so your pelvis and spine are straight. As for your pedals, your knees should be slightly bent when the pedals are fully down. This helps you keep control over your feet and pedals while you drive. Your elbows should be slightly bent when reaching for the steering wheel. For your shoulders, they should always be touching the seat, even when you turn your steering wheel.
Heat Your Seat
If you have a heated seat feature, this is a great way to relax your stiff and tense muscles. Heat can also help keep you calm, especially during that rush hour traffic every day. This is yet another tip to prevent pain and injuries, as well as find pain relief without any drugs or surgery.
Exercise Regularly
Just like with any sedentary job, exercising on a regular basis is an effective way to keep your body and mind strong, as well as reduce your risk for pain and injury. By moving every day, you can help strengthen your back, neck, shoulders, and core muscles. This will then help prevent injuries from driving frequently. As always, it’s a good idea to discuss with your doctor regarding the best exercises for your health needs and goals.
Visit Your Local Chiropractor
In addition to these tips, visiting your local chiropractor is a great way to achieve better health and prevent pain and injury from striking. Being in pain or having an injury is the last thing you want, as it means you may not be able to continue driving until you recover. Since injuries can take months to heal, wouldn’t it be better to be proactive about your health now and prevent these issues? If you drive frequently and would like to learn more about our family chiropractic care near you, contact West Michigan Chiropractic today. Our Portage chiropractors would love to help you live your life to the fullest potential!