It’s not uncommon for people to experience pain and discomfort while driving. However, a select number don’t necessarily experience an issue until after they step out of the car and head into their home, place or work, or other destination they’ve arrived at. Given that you’ve come online to search “why does my body hurt after driving?” you’re in the same boat (err…car) and seeking a solution.
To answer this question we are removing underlying medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and Lyme disease (et cetera). The question is more commonly posed by generally active and healthy drivers who want to better understand why soreness follows significant time on the road. Below is a breakdown of what you may be experiencing with a concluding call-to-action for how to correct it.
3 Reasons Why Your Body Hurts After Driving and How Physiotherapy Will Help
1. How Underlying Injuries Respond When Driving
You may have underlying injuries and/or musculoskeletal malfunctions that you don’t necessarily notice when you are actively driving. It may seem odd that the symptoms of these injuries/malfunctions (soreness) occur after sitting idle, but when you understand the body’s process it makes sense. Your body’s innate inflammatory response to injuries generally intensifies while immobile. Inflammatory markers and chemicals accumulate around the injured area (lower back, shoulders, neck, etc.) and cause increased pain which you feel as soon as you park and leave the vehicle. In addition, synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and protects against soreness, is only produced when you’re mobile. If relatively inactive while driving for an extended period of time (an hour or longer) the lack of lubrication contributes to post-driving soreness.
2. Your Driving Position
It’s not just about placing your hands at “10 and 2” on the steering wheel. The position in which you sit, shift, and crane your neck has a direct impact on the way you will feel when getting up from your driver’s seat.
3. Are You Anxious and Tense When Driving?
Anxiety and stress are known to promote inflammation in the body. Increased inflammation is directly related to pain, and the pain can persist for as long as the inflammation persists. Therefore, if you are a nervous driver and experiencing feelings of anxiety you may experience inflammation immediately after turning off the ignition and leaving the vehicle. It can also persist for up to an hour or more, especially if there are cooccurring variables at play. This issue is particularly common among those who may have sustained PTSD from a motor-vehicle accident (MVA) in their past. If they (you?) did not receive counseling for MVA related PTSD these feelings of anxiety can last for months, years, or even a lifetime. As a result, soreness after driving may stay with you without adequate intervention.
How Physiotherapy Will Help
Physiotherapy and chiropractic interventions will directly address musculoskeletal injuries and malfunctions that contribute to soreness after driving. Moreover, a physiotherapist will provide an assessment of your seated-driving position and suggest adjustments. Further, a full service provider will also have a clinical counselor on staff who may assist with MVA related PTSD and other negative feelings that could further elevate inflammation and pain.
Be Pain-Free After Driving Through Physiotherapy
(Burnaby residents)