Maintaining Good Posture While Driving

 

Posture is just as important while you’re driving as when you’re sitting at your desk. Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, shares how to keep your spine healthy in a vehicle.

 

3 Essential Tips for Driving With Good Posture

People spend a great deal of time in their vehicles, but even a few minutes of poor driving posture can impact your health and cause pain. In the guide below, Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, share some of the negative impacts of sitting improperly while you drive and tips to follow to improve your habits.

 

Effects of Poor Posture

Your spine needs to stay in a neutral position at all times. When it’s not, it can lead to:

• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Digestive issues
• Irritability
• Poor nerve function
• Difficulty sleeping
• Breathing trouble and more

 

1. Start With the Back of the Seat

One of the most important steps in practicing good posture while driving is ensuring your back has the right support. Sit with your tailbone as close to the back of the seat as possible. Adjust it in such a way that you can comfortably rest your back on the seat completely while still seeing over the steering wheel – at about a 100-degree angle. You should not have to lean up to see. If you are in the vehicle for long periods, or you just can't seem to get the back positioned well, consider adding some extra lumbar support.

 

2. Then Work On the Height and Proximity to the Steering Wheel

To see properly over the steering wheel, you might have to adjust the height. Be sure that your feet can easily reach the pedals and leave some space between the seat and the back of your knees.

 

3. Adjust the Steering Wheel and Mirrors

Once your seat is properly adjusted, take some time to adjust the mirrors and steering wheel. You should be able to see in the mirrors without leaning or straining. Your steering wheel should be adjusted in such a way that your hands can be in the proper driving position while your elbows remain at a relaxed angle.

 

Improve your posture and get help to undo the negative effects of driving by visiting Dr. McClanahan regularly at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley. Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.

Lifestyle Improvements to Prevent Back Pain

 Back pain is a common ailment that affects countless people throughout the United States. At Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan works with patients experiencing seemingly random back pain every day. No symptom is without a cause, though. In this article, we'll cover some lifestyle adjustments you can try out to relieve back pain.

1. Stay Active Throughout the Day

Spending the day sitting down has been fairly common in recent years, but it wasn't for our ancestors. Our bodies are built to move. A lot. When we spend all day on the couch or at the office, it doesn't give the muscles enough stimulation to grow strong. Even if sitting down all day is a part of your job, stand up every twenty minutes to move and stretch. With professional oversight, people should try to work regular exercise into their schedules, but 5 jumping jacks a few times a day will  be better for most people than none.

2. Avoid Straining the Muscles

Many people will lift heavy items without thought, but lifting improperly can strain the muscles, wear the joints, and irritate underlying conditions. For example, herniated discs are commonly the result of excessive back strain. It's best to avoid activities you aren't strong enough to do confidently, but when that's not possible, maintain a straight back and lift from the legs to avoid improper strain on the spine.

3. Evaluate Posture and Sleeping Position

Sometimes, something as seemingly innocent as the sleeping position can worsen back pain. For example, side-sleepers commonly experience lower back pain. This can be avoided by placing a pillow between the knees. Also, trying to be mindful of posture throughout the day can help improve health.

4. See a Chiropractor Regularly 

A chiropractor is able to give you advice on how to preserve and improve your back health. They also have countless treatment options at their disposal to help with back pain. If you need a regular chiropractor in the Nitro, WV, area, reach out to Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Dr. McClanahan is always taking new patients.

If you're suffering from back pain in the Nitro, WV, area, Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center may be able to help. Reach out to us today by calling us at (304) 776-1520. Dr. McClanahan is available for consultations to examine your situation. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Spine

A large amount of the population struggles with some sort of back pain. It’s one of the reasons that spinal care grows more important every day. If you’re one of these individuals, reach out to Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. Your top-notch chiropractor, Dr. Jay McClanahan, has put together a few lifestyle tips for a healthier spine. 

First, evaluate your exercise and diet regimen. Changing these up is a great way to get started. Being overweight puts extra stress on your spine and body. It’s best to stay within ten pounds of your ideal weight. Extra fat, like a “beer belly,” weakens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Through exercise and a healthy diet, you can regulate your weight. 

Back pain is often caused by improper lifting and bending. You need to take the proper precautions to maintain a healthy spine. Make sure you never bend at the waist to pick a heavy item up from the ground. Instead, keep one foot flat on the floor while you kneel. Another method is bending at the knees. Pick up the item, keeping it close to your body, and lift with your legs instead of your back. Never twist your body while lifting. This is an easy way to hurt your back. 

If you stand for long periods due to your job or other activities, there are a few ways to keep your spine healthy. Try standing with one foot in front of the other, with your knees slightly bent. Doing this removes the extra pressure from your spine. You should also try to avoid bending at the waist for longer periods. 

Even the way you sleep can affect your back. The recommended sleeping position is on your side. When you sleep on your back, large amounts of pressure are placed on your spine. If you use this position, place a pillow under your knees to remove the pressure. 

At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, your health is our biggest concern. Following these tips is a surefire way to improve your life. If you or a loved one suffer from back pain, don’t hesitate to contact our office in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan, visit his website or call 304-776-1520.