Is Driving Wrecking Your Back? Top Tips to Stop the Pain!

Millions of UK drivers suffer in silence as back pain, neck stiffness and sore knees turn daily drives into a chore. But with a few clever tweaks, you can rediscover comfort behind the wheel. Here’s how

Let’s face it. As we get older, our bodies don’t quite behave the way they used to. The knees creak, the back protests, and after an hour on the M1, you feel like you’ve done three rounds with Tyson Fury. Older drivers are not suffering alone – more than 6 million drivers in the UK are over the age of 70, and over 1.5 million are well into their 80s.

Now, that’s not to say you should hang up your driving gloves just yet. Far from it. But what it does mean is that comfort and mobility behind the wheel become more important than ever – especially for longer journeys or anyone still clinging to a low-slung coupe (yes, we know, it looks cool… until you try to get out of it at a petrol station).

According to GEM Motoring Assist, discomfort while driving doesn’t have to be a given. They’ve offered up a trove of practical advice for drivers experiencing stiffness, soreness, or general discomfort behind the wheel – and frankly, it’s advice every driver should hear, no matter the age.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Reassess Your Driving Position

Your car seat isn’t a park bench. Adjust it!
Sit upright, elbows slightly bent, knees relaxed – just like a rally driver, not a reclined teenager. A small tweak forward or back can make a huge difference to your comfort.

2. Use That Lumbar Support (or Bring Your Own)

Many modern cars offer built-in lumbar support – use it! If yours doesn’t, grab a cushion or a lumbar pillow. They’re cheap, cheerful, and can save your spine on a long journey.

3. Belt Up – Literally

Check your trouser belt and seat belt. If your jeans are pulling on your lower back, you’re setting yourself up for pain. Make sure your clothing and belts aren’t fighting against your posture.

4. Mind the Heating!

Got heated seats? Use them to ease back muscle tension, like a built-in hot water bottle. Combine that with massage seats (if your car’s fancy enough) and you’ve got a mobile therapy room.

5. Take Breaks, Seriously

We’re not robots. If you’re doing a long stint, set yourself a time limit – 90 minutes or two hours max. Pull over somewhere safe, stretch your legs, and give your body a moment.

6. Consider the Car

Still suffering? Maybe your car just isn’t the right fit anymore. An MPV or crossover might not sound sexy, but if it saves your joints and helps you drive longer, it might just be the best motoring decision you make.

Don’t Just ‘Live With It’

Too many drivers assume that pain while driving is just part of ageing. It’s not. Whether it’s a better seat, smarter posture, or a different car altogether – there are fixes out there. And staying mobile, independent and on the road is far more important than sticking with something that hurts.

So don’t suffer in silence. Try these tips, share them with a friend, and if things are still rough – maybe book in with your GP or physio. Mobility is freedom, and it’s worth fighting for.

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