Sigillo Chiropractic Preventing Travel Ache:s and Strains: Travel by Car Before you start the car, adjust your seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place four fingers behind the back of your thigh closest to your knee. If you cannot easily slide your fingers in and out of that space, you need to re-adjust your seat. Consider a back support. Using a support may reduce the incidence of low-back strain and Dr. Christopher J sigillo, D.C. pain. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any swelling, fatigue or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as you can, and count to 10.Count to five while you tighten your calf muscles, then yourthigh muscles, then your gluteal muscles. Roll your shoulders forward and back, making sure to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road To minimize arm and hand tension while driving, hold the steering wheel at approximately 3 o'clock and 7 o'clock, periodically switching to 10 o'clock and 5 o'clock. Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your grip to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in the arms, wrists and hands. to reduce the risk of eye fatigue and tension headaches. your passengers and other drivers While always being carefulto keep your eyes on the road, vary your focal point while driving Take rest breaks. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, If car travel does cause lower back pain, the best way to ameliorate the pain is by visiting a chiropractor. Doctors of Chiropractic (chiropractors) are experts in the treatment of lower back pain. Presented as a service to the community by Sigillo Chiropractic 18 Graves St., Brockport 637-3630. Most major insurance accepted Visit us on the web at www.sigillochiropractic.com