Understanding the Importance of Good Neck Mobility for Safe Driving
Good neck rotation is essential when driving a car. When you get behind the wheel, you need to be able to look around freely to check your blind spots—without experiencing any restrictions or discomfort. So, in this article, we explore the impact that neck mobility can have on our driving, as well as simple ways to improve it.
Why Does Neck Rotation Matter for Driving?
The ability to rotate our neck effectively depends on the action of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and scalene muscles. When we turn our heads to one side, these muscles contract on the opposite side to facilitate this movement.
And, as you may already know, neck rotation is particularly important when we’re driving. It allows us to quickly check our mirrors and blind spots. For example, you likely do this without much thought when changing lanes, making turns, reversing, or merging into traffic.
All in all, good neck mobility gives us a clear and unrestricted view of our surroundings, helping to reduce our risk of accidents and make driving smoother and safer.
However, we often underestimate how much flexibility our neck requires under normal diving conditions. In fact, research shows that we rotate our heads an average of around 35 degrees to the left and 42 degrees to the right when driving. We also spend an average of 13% of our driving time with our necks rotated outside their neutral position.
The Dangers of Limited Neck Movement
Now that we know why it is important for drivers to be able to rotate their neck effectively, let’s consider some of the dangers that you may face if you have limited neck movement when driving:
- An increased risk of accidents when manoeuvring
- Difficulty in judging safe gaps in traffic
- Difficulty judging distances and surroundings when reversing
- A slowed reaction to sudden changes due to a lack of awareness of your surroundings
But how can you ensure that your neck mobility doesn’t become a hazard to your driving?
Top Tips for Maintaining Healthy Neck Mobility
Here are some simple tips for increasing flexibility throughout your neck, ensuring your (and other drivers’) safety on the roads:
1. Strengthen and stretch it out
Regularly performing gentle stretching exercises can improve neck flexibility. Try to incorporate a specific range of motion and neck-strengthening exercises into your daily routine. These could include neck rotations, tilts, and flexion and extension.
2. Focus on your posture
Many of us get into the habit of slouching down in the driver’s seat, particularly during long journeys. A study revealed that 70% of car drivers adopt a forward head posture (FHP), where the head juts forward, and the neck becomes misaligned. FHP was linked to intensified neck pain and decreased neck mobility.
Adopting good head posture ensures we can rotate our necks easily and safely when required. Remember to adjust your car seat and headrest so that they properly support your body.
3. Take regular breaks
If you habitually drive long distances, take regular breaks to give your neck a rest! When you stop, try to stretch out your neck and shoulder muscles.
4. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated helps to keep our muscles and joints healthy and lubricated. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your neck muscles supple and ready to move!
How Can Chiropractic Care Help to Improve Your Neck Mobility?
Are you struggling with limited neck mobility when driving? Now you know just how vital neck movement is as a driver, you should schedule an appointment with an experienced chiropractor at Chatfield Chiropractic today. We can provide you with a personalised treatment plan and recommend targeted strengthening exercises to improve your neck mobility and keep you safe on the road.
Contact us today to find out more.
Comments are closed.