Maintaining good back health is critical for truck drivers, as low back pain developed over years of driving can be a career-killer. Good posture can head off many of the problems associated with spending hours each day in a truck seat, but many truckers have bad posture habits they need to break.
- Sitting with the seat too low – Sitting with the truck seat too low will cause your pelvis to tuck backward, your spine to curve, and your head to tilt forward. Adjust your seat so that your body is at a 90-degree angle thighs-to-spine. This will reduce pressure on your lower back.
- Sitting too close or far away from the pedals – When your seat is positioned too close or too far away from the truck pedals, you’re unable to reach them without moving into an unhealthy seating position. Your seat should be positioned so that you can reach the pedals with your knees slightly bent.
- Slouching – Slouching in your semi truck seat will put a lot of pressure on your lower back over time. To avoid low back pain, don’t slouch. You don’t have to sit up ramrod straight at all times, but, instead of slouching, recline your seat to adjust your seating position for greater comfort.
- Holding the steering wheel improperly – Holding the very top or bottom of the steering wheel will put increased strain on your shoulder muscles and contribute to back pain. Holding the wheel at the 9 o’ clock and 3 o’clock positions is better for your musculoskeletal health.
- Tilting your neck too far forward – Tilting your neck too far forward when you drive will contribute to back problems over time. Sit upright so you don’t have to tilt your neck forward to see and be sure to make use of your seat’s neck support.
Suburban Seating & Safety sells the latest ergonomic truck seats and truck accessories to make driving safer and more comfortable for transportation industry professionals. Shop today or call us now at 1-844-SAS-SEAT to find the best deals on gear and equipment you need for your truck.
