Driving Ergonomics: How to Protect Your Neck and Shoulders Behind the Wheel
- Steph Botts
- Aug 10
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Driving Ergonomics: How to Protect Your Neck and Shoulders Behind the Wheel
When you’re driving, leaning your head forward won’t get you to your destination any faster — though plenty of us seem to think it might! The truth is, that forward head posture can cause serious strain over time.
Just like when using a phone or working on a laptop, for every inch your ear is forward from its ideal alignment over your shoulder, you add about 10 extra pounds of pressure to your spine. A few inches can easily mean 20–30 pounds of added stress on your neck and upper back — all while you’re sitting in traffic.
Quick Driving Posture Tips
Check Your Alignment: Keep your ear vertically stacked over your shoulder — not jutting forward. This protects your spine and helps prevent neck pain.
Adjust Your Headrest: Position the headrest so that when your head is aligned, you feel light contact with it. This helps you maintain proper posture while driving.
Lower Your Hands: Many people grip the steering wheel too high, which elevates the shoulders and tightens the upper trapezius muscles. Lowering your hands to a more relaxed position allows your shoulders to drop and your neck to stay loose.
Small posture tweaks like these can make a big difference, especially for those who spend hours in the car each week. Whether you’re commuting or on a road trip, staying aware of your head and shoulder position will keep you more comfortable and less fatigued.
Related Reading:
Comments