Why can you sit okay, but driving hurts so much? As soon as the vehicle starts moving, forces on the body change. Accelerations, decelerations, swaying from side to side, up and down body vibrations all combine to discomfort. Screeching to a halt when the car ahead stops for no reason mimics whiplash.

A stick shift with constant pressure on the clutch, brakes, and accelerator is especially hard on the feet and legs. Just driving an automatic shift car, with pressure on brakes and accelerator keep the feet busy so they cannot rest, thus they are not supporting and stabilizing the lower body as they do when you're sitting. All this contributes to back pain.

Low-term driving vibration is among the highest risk factors for neck and back injuries and pain. Driving time, speed, and length of drive all increase the risk factor and were significant for men who drove 4 hours or more each day.

What you can do?

• On any trip, don't go directly to sit in a restaurant and back to the car without stretching or going for a walk.
• Sheepskin covers can provide super comfort and more cushion for the trip.
• You can buy many kinds of seat cushions for comfort.
• Beaded covers are said to massage the back as you drive.
• Keep your pelvis higher than your knees for the optimal comfort position.
• Keep your knees and thighs at the same level.
• Maintain the natural curves of your back during all activities.
• Use proper lifting techniques and body mechanics.

When we were teenagers, it was a necessary part of life and the hotter cars we had, the better. Now those hot cars jiggle and vibrate our bodies to the point that our backs are screaming in pain.

Are you ever guilty of rushing, thinking the sooner you reach your destination, the sooner you'll get out of the car? Ever do that? When we rush, our bodies tense up, and this makes every pebble feel like a boulder. We are inflicting unnecessary stress on our bodies, which of course hurt more.

We have to change our driving habits.