If you're expecting a long drive in heavy traffic during the Chuseok holiday, it's essential to familiarize yourself with proper posture and pain prevention methods beforehand. This is because strenuous long-distance driving can worsen spinal posture imbalances and lead to chronic low back, neck, and shoulder pain. With Professors Kang Kyung-joong and Park Jeong-ha of Kyung Hee University Hospital, we explored health tips to protect your neck and back during long drives.
Professor Kang Kyung-joong of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Kyung Hee University Hospital said, “In a sitting position, body weight is not distributed to the legs, so the lower back bears more than 1.5 times the load compared to when standing.” He added, “When driving, it is important to maintain a straight spine by setting the seat upright at a 90-degree angle, and it's a good idea to get out of the car every 1-2 hours for some simple arm and leg stretches.”
The neck and shoulders are no exception. The posture of looking forward can lead to 'Forward Head Posture,' which increases body tension and makes neck or shoulder pain more likely. The solution is to consciously straighten your back, pull your head back, and use a low cushion or pillow against your neck and back to help maintain proper posture.
Professor Kang Kyung-joong stated, “A person's head weighs about 5 kilograms (kg), but if the neck is tilted forward by just 30 degrees, the burden on the spine increases by more than four times.” He continued, “The longer this state persists, the more the posture becomes fixed and difficult to correct, so it is important to make it a habit to correct your posture at regular intervals during long drives.”
Another point of caution is medication. If you have an underlying condition or are taking medication for autumn colds or allergies, you should check for drowsiness as a side effect. In particular, antihistamines, which are commonly prescribed for nasal colds and allergies, can cause drowsiness and lethargy, so caution is needed when taking them before driving.
Professor Park Jeong-ha of the Department of Family Medicine at Kyung Hee University Hospital said, “Muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety drugs prescribed for some neurological or pain disorders can also reduce concentration, so if a long drive is planned, it is safer to consult your doctor about your medication schedule.” He added that if you feel lethargic or dizzy, you should open the windows for ventilation, pull over to a safe place, and take a short break.
It is also not advisable to consume excessive amounts of coffee or energy drinks to prevent drowsiness. While caffeine can temporarily reduce fatigue and promote alertness, it can actually worsen fatigue in a sleep-deprived state. If you usually suffer from severe dry eyes, prepare enough artificial tears to prevent blurred vision, and be cautious of light glare during night driving.
