Bend is the largest city in Central Oregon. It’s the perfect spot to spend quality time with friends and family. If you’re a person who loves biking, fishing, and camping, then you would absolutely love this place. However, since the city is so large, others would need to drive long miles to arrive at their desired destination for an adventure.

While you enjoy the view outside the car, sitting behind the steering wheel for extended periods can lead to neck pain. So, if you want to spend your getaways without suffering from neck pain in Bend while driving, then this blog is for you. Read on to know the clever ways to prevent neck pain while you are on the road.

Effective Tips to Prevent Neck Pain While Driving

Neck pain in Bend, Oregon, is not uncommon for a vast portion of its population. Unfortunately, this is also true for the rest of the American people. There are a lot of possible causes for neck pain, such as trauma and other medical conditions.

Driving a car is also one of the leading causes of neck pain. The way you hold your head while your hand and upper body are in an extended position can strain your neck.

For a while, you soothe yourself with a bunch of relaxing driving music to distract yourself from the discomfort. This is just temporary. I will enjoy the view. Neck pain is normal. These positive thoughts are all reasonably necessary to tell your body to ease itself from the pain. However, not taking immediate action to relieve or prevent the pain will just make your situation worse.

Most of us go to work, school, or the store by car. So, we made a checklist about what you should do to prevent neck pain while driving. 

1. Drive with a good and proper posture. 

Your posture determines whether you will go home with neck pain or not. So, it is vital to stick to a correct posture when behind the wheel. Here’s how you can sit properly while driving.

• Support your back. Do not lean too far or too near when driving. These positions can strain your back and neck muscles. Instead, adjust the back of your seat at 100 degrees for better back support. 
• Sit at the right seat height. A low seat position can cause you to extend your neck higher when driving. This puts pressure and tension on your neck muscles. Make sure that your seat is high enough to make your eye level 8cm above the top of the car’s steering wheel. 
• Adjust your headrest correctly to prevent whiplash. Position your headrest two inches or less from the back of your head. You also need to make sure that the headrest is positioned behind your head at ear level.

2. Avoid driving with poor vision. 

Driving with poor eyesight can strain your eye and cause you to lean your neck forward to see the road. Also, this awkward position puts pressure on your neck muscles. If your vision is too bad for driving, then you need to get your eyes checked.

3. Adjust your mirrors. 

To adjust your mirror to a proper height or angle, you must first settle yourself in a proper driving position by following our tip number one. Once you’re already settled, begin adjusting your car’s side mirrors. Adjust them in a way that will allow you to see a part of your car and the traffic on the side. Ensure that the positions of the mirrors do not need you to crane your neck.

4. Take breaks in between long drives. 

A long drive is all fun until fatigue starts to kick in. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of neck pain as it puts pressure and tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. Be sure you permit yourself to rest. If you start to feel neck pain in Bend while driving, you can pull over and park safely. Do some stretching during your break to release the pressure and tension in your neck.

Easy Remedies to Relieve Neck Pain in Bend

If you ever experience neck pain after driving or doing other activities, try these simple home remedies. 

●  Apply heat or ice to your neck. You can use the cold compress for the first 2 to 3 days and then apply the hot compress after that. Aside from a hot compress, you can also try using heating pads or go for a warm shower. 

●  Don’t rest your body for too long. Make sure to keep your body moving but avoid vigorous activities. 

●  You can also purchase a special neck pillow to ease the pain while you sleep. 

●  Sleep on your side or back. These sleeping positions are suitable for those who have neck pain.

See an Upper Cervical Chiropractor for Neck Pain in Bend, Oregon

True Spine Chiropractic, led by Kevin Hallmayer D.C., can help you regain your comfort from severe neck pain in Bend, Oregon. Using the NUCCA technique, our chiropractor will adjust the misalignment between your head and neck caused by whiplash, improper driving posture, or stress. This misalignment causes an interference in the function of the nervous system, which has a direct impact on your neck and other parts of your body.

Our team here at True Spine Chiropractic ensures gentle, precise, and effective neck adjustments that are backed by state-of-the-art technology and reliable research. 

Learn more about us by visiting our blog. And if you’re ready to make a significant change in your life by keeping your neck pain at bay, then connect with us here. You can also reach our office at 541-240-8820.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hallmeyer, call our Bend office at 541-848-6834. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.