Goodbye postural pain: An osteopath's towel-only trick that every driver needs to know.

Those forced to drive for long hours in Spain can end up with back pain, either in the cervical or lumbar regions, as it is virtually impossible to maintain a correct posture for the entire time behind the wheel. Many drivers suffer from discomfort in this area of ​​the body, and it is therefore vitally important to do everything possible to avoid these ailments, as they could affect driving.

Although car ergonomics have evolved significantly over the last few years to improve driver (and passenger) comfort , the truth is that many people still suffer from pain due to poor posture. What few people know is that this affliction can be solved simply: all you need is a towel, as one osteopath told the Express newspaper in the United Kingdom.

How to relieve back pain while driving

Osteopath Michael Fatica has co-founded The Back in Shape Program to try to find solutions to back and neck pain caused by prolonged road use, a condition that affects up to a quarter of British motorcyclists , according to a Motorpoint study reported by the publication.

The remedy for this condition isn't medication, surgery, or even an exercise routine; it's simply carrying a towel in the car at all times . If your car doesn't have lumbar support, placing one between your lower back and the car seats can be an ideal solution, as it "provides more support to the lumbar region," says the expert.

Although it may not seem like it makes a huge difference at first glance, the truth is that this towel helps with lumbar lordosis , the natural curvature of the spine in that area, which in turn improves your sitting posture . Thus, with this small gesture, you can notice a significant improvement in back pain while driving.

In addition, the osteopath also offered a series of tips for sitting better in the car: sit high enough to be able to see the road ahead, although you shouldn't lean back too far, as this will allow you to twist your neck without having to straighten up. Finally, make sure your hips are level with your knees, which is essential to avoid pain.

Michael Fatica also recommends shifting slightly in your seat from time to time to redistribute your weight across the discs in your lower back, as well as stretching your legs (for 30 seconds each) when stopping mid-ride. With all of these techniques, lower back pain will improve exponentially.