How do I stop my neck from hurting when driving long distances?
I drive from Missouri to Gulf Shores every year (13 hours), but once I get there, the entire trip and for about a week later I am plagued by terrible neck pain. Is there any way to avoid this, such as by using a neck pillow on the back of the car seat? Does anybody know if these work, and if so, what kind did they get?
You must have a tendency to hold your body rigid while driving, either because you are not into driving the long distances or you don’t like the highways you drive on or at the end you are getting so tired that it makes you grip the wheel harder and you get your shoulders and neck very tight, very rigid, trying to stay awake for that last period of time. I know when we go on vacation we split the driving but find about 12 hours on the road in a day is about all we want to do. If you add in a few of the other factors it can add up to muscle strain in your neck that is getting to you. Here is how you can release those muscles to get rid of the pain, something you can do now before going as well as once you get there if you feel the need. You can also kind of play with them along the way, for once you understand what is getting tight and why, it is easier to keep it loose:
Neck
Invert your hands and put them next to your head placing your thumbs in under your ears and your fingers behind your head. Squeeze together and hold until the muscles release. Then slowly lower your head until your neck is fully extended, release the pressure but hold your head there for another 30 seconds.
Back:
Place your left hand on your left leg next to your body. Place your right hand over your left shoulder and find the muscles next to your spine and press on them and hold. After 30 seconds slowly lower your body forward, keeping your left arm fairly straight as you do. When you reach your lap remain there for another 10 seconds, release the pressure but remain there for another 30 seconds. Then reverse your hand positions and do your right side.
I added the back one in because it is so easy to have your shoulders a part of this as well so releasing them is also going to be a must.
Is your neck in a draught? Or perhaps the seat is simply the wrong shape for your back. You should take a break every couple of hours while driving and make sure that you move around a bit and have a good stretch!