5 ways truck drivers can fight back pain

As a truck driver, you probably experience back pain more frequently than the average person. Sitting in the cab of a truck hour after hour, day after day, can wreak havoc on your back. Amazingly, sitting still can actually cause severe damage to your spine and lower back muscles, and maybe do more lasting harm than lifting heavy objects.

Unless you change professions, it is important that you take steps to protect your back from the stress of long hours in the driver’s seat. The following tips can help you alleviate minor back pain before it becomes debilitating.

Get comfortable

One of the best things you can do for you back is to start every haul in a comfortable position. This means that you should empty your back pockets. For example, sitting on your wallet will cause you to sit lopsided. If you do this often enough, it can cause lower back pain. If you don’t have one already, consider investing in a seat pad with memory foam to give your back more support.

Keep things moving

The time you spend behind the wheel is definitely the time to fidget. Move around and adjust your position frequently so that you are not continuously putting pressure on the same places during endless hours of driving. Moving your seat just a little every 20 minutes or half hour can also help reduce the stress.

Add some ice

Most back pain is a result of inflammation. Once of the best ways to relieve it is to place an ice pack on the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice pack in a thick towel or other cloth and apply it to the general area where you experience the pain. However, you should avoid putting the ice pack directly on the point where the pain is originating. By alternating the ice pack with heat, you can fight inflammation while loosening the muscles.

Walk it out

Another great way to combat back pain is to engage in regular exercise. Take as many rest stops as you can so that you can get out and walk for a few minutes. At least twice a day, you should stretch out your hamstrings to help keep the muscles in your back loose.

Bring yoga to work

With just a handful of yoga moves, you can fight back against back pain. By starting and ending your day with a little yoga, you can reduce your chances of suffering from severe back pain.

If you develop a back injury as a result of working as a truck driver in Charlotte, you might be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation. Take the time to learn your rights so that you can fight for the benefits that you deserve.