In everyday life, drivers often experience muscle fatigue and soreness during long periods of driving in the same position. We call this driving fatigue.
Many drivers are very familiar with this situation, so how can we alleviate it?
Can lumbar support really help with driving fatigue?
The answer is Yes, lumbar support can indeed help. During long drives, the lower back tends to feel tired and sore.
Proper lumbar support provides comfort to the lower back, reducing fatigue and discomfort.
Furthermore, it helps maintain correct posture, minimizing bodily strain caused by poor sitting positions.
Therefore, using lumbar support during long drives can effectively reduce driving fatigue.
What causes back pain while driving?
According to epidemiological surveys in China, professional drivers have a higher incidence of back pain than the general people.
Prolonged driving over time is more likely to cause lumbar spine issues.
In an article published in “Automotive Engineering” by Meng Xiangjie and Wang Wenjun, they note that in the driving position:
The reduction in the natural forward curve of the driver’s lower back is considered one of the primary mechanical reasons for increased back pain.
In other words, driving changes the natural curve of your spine. This increases the load on the muscles around the lumbar spine, which can lead to back problems if not addressed.
Poor posture worsens back pain
Some people feel back pain after just 2-3 hours of driving. Why? Often, it’s related to driving posture.
Sitting on an uncomfortable seat creates uneven pressure distribution, impeding blood circulation in the lower back and causing muscle soreness and pain.
Uncomfortable driving positions increase high-pressure areas by 1-1.5% compared to comfortable positions, leading to discomfort.
This means that poor driving posture worsens back pain. Driving with sore muscles and back pain easily leads to fatigue.
It’s like coming home after a long day at work, already mentally exhausted, and then having to help your kids with homework – it’s overwhelming.
Scientific research on alleviating back pain
Lumbar support on lumbar muscle load research shows that 4cm of lumbar support significantly improved muscle load, reducing overall activation by 19.8%. With 2cm support, back muscles, especially the longissimus, needed to work harder to maintain balance, increasing joint stress.
The longissimus muscle showed the highest activation, indicating its crucial role in maintaining driving posture.
Besides thickness, the height of the support also significantly impacts lumbar load.
How to choose the right lumbar support
First, check the material. Opt for supports free from carcinogens and formaldehyde for health safety.
Next, consider firmness. Firmer supports are better for heavier individuals or those with existing back issues who drive frequently. Softer supports are more comfortable and suitable for lighter individuals looking to prevent back problems.
A look at our lumbar support
If you’re concerned about materials, check out the quality inspection report for our lumbar support. It’s free from banned azo dyes and other harmful substances, ensuring safe use.
The fabric has passed pH tests, and its durability meets our high technical standards.
We’ve also tested for formaldehyde and odors, making it safe for pregnant women and children. To ensure quality and structural stability, we exceed industry standards in our testing.
The product’s standout feature is its 75% resilience rate and compression resistance. It’s ideal for those who experience back pain while driving.
