Pain While Driving: Causes, Prevention & Proper Driving Position

Why Driving Strains the Musculoskeletal System

Driving — especially for long hours — places significant strain on the musculoskeletal system. Whether you are a professional driver or simply spend a lot of time behind the wheel each day, prolonged sitting, constant vehicle vibration, awkward postures and repetitive movements create an environment that loads the lower back, neck and shoulders.

A recent systematic review, drawing on data from 56 studies across 23 countries and 18,882 drivers, highlighted how widespread the problem is, covering 14 different types of driving work.

Is Sitting in a Car Seat the Same as Sitting in a Chair?

No. Even though you are seated in both cases, the demands on your body are different:

• Your hands sit higher (on the steering wheel) than they would at a desk.
• Your legs reach further forward to operate the pedals; one foot is often flat while the other works at an angle, and in a manual car you also use the clutch and gear shift.
• Your body absorbs vertical vibration from the road, sideways movement through corners, and forces during acceleration and braking.

As a result, driving is a more dynamic and demanding form of sitting than working in an office chair — which is why pain can appear even with a good seat. On top of that, a driver finds it harder to change position while driving than someone sitting at a desk.

What the Data Shows About Musculoskeletal Pain in Drivers

The findings are concerning:

• 43.1% to 93% of drivers reported musculoskeletal pain.
• The lower back is the most commonly affected area, at around 53%.
• Other frequently affected areas are the neck, shoulders and upper back, reflecting the overall physical strain linked to driving.

Why Pain Develops While Driving

Pain while driving usually results from a combination of factors:

• Poor posture — from habit or from a badly adjusted or unsuitable seat.
• Low-frequency whole-body vibration from the moving vehicle, which particularly loads the lower back.
• The shape of the seat itself, which can press on the legs, back and buttocks, creating pressure points and even affecting circulation to the legs.
• Prolonged sitting without breaks, along with repetitive arm and shoulder movements.

Together, these factors increase the risk of low back pain and other musculoskeletal problems.

How to Set Up Your Driving Position Correctly

Start by reading your vehicle manual so you know which adjustments are available. Then work through them in this order:

1. Seat height: raise the seat as high as is comfortable, so you can see at least ~3 in (76 mm) over the steering wheel, while keeping enough room above your head.
2. Seat distance (forward/back): move the seat forward enough to press the pedals through their full range with your whole foot, not just your toes.
3. Seat depth: leave about 3–6 cm (2–3 fingers) between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knee, so it isn’t compressed.
4. Cushion tilt: adjust it so your thighs are supported along their full length, without pressure behind the knees.
5. Backrest: it should support your whole back when you sit upright. Leaning too far back pushes your head forward, which causes fatigue and neck and shoulder pain.
6. Lumbar support: adjust it (up–down and in–out) until you feel even pressure along your back, from the hips to shoulder height, with no gaps or pressure points.
7. Steering wheel: its centre should be about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) from your breastbone. If the tilt is adjustable, point the airbag towards your chest (not your head or stomach) and keep your arms comfortable.
8. Head restraint: set the top level with the top of your head and as close as possible to the back of your head — this protects against whiplash in a collision.
9. Final adjustment: repeat the steps if needed. You should be able to reach all controls comfortably and have a clear view through the windows and mirrors.

Additional Prevention and Management Strategies

Beyond setting up your position correctly, the following help significantly:

• Regular breaks every 1–2 hours to walk and stretch — this applies to passengers too.
• Small changes to your seat position on long journeys; no posture stays comfortable if held for a long time.
• Gently moving your arms, legs and neck whenever you are stopped (e.g. at traffic lights).
• Assessing and adapting the equipment and vehicle to the driver’s needs.
• Specialist return-to-work programmes for drivers who have had injuries or chronic pain.

The Specialized Workplace Physiocare Approach

Musculoskeletal pain linked to driving should not be treated as normal or inevitable. With early prevention, ergonomic adjustments and the right guidance, you can protect your health, reduce the risk of injury and keep working safely and comfortably.

At Workplace Physiocare, interventions are delivered by an occupational health physiotherapist, based on Occupational Health practices and tailored to the needs of each organisation.

Find out more about our specialist services for the prevention and management of such problems:

• Return to Work
• Training for the Prevention & Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Musculoskeletal Management & Ergonomics

Request specialist support for your drivers

If musculoskeletal pain is a recurring issue among the drivers in your organisation, a targeted ergonomic assessment and occupational health support can make the difference. Follow the steps below to get started:

1. Get in touch: Send us your request at info@workplace-physiocare.gr or fill in the contact form.
2. Initial discussion: We arrange a short call to understand your needs (number of drivers, type of vehicles, current problems).
3. Proposal & delivery: We send you a tailored proposal and set a date for the intervention (on-site or remote).

Contact us today and let’s build a healthier, more productive working environment together.

Blog written by Michail Arvanitidis

This information is general and does not replace individual medical or physiotherapy advice. For personalised guidance, consult a qualified health professional.

References:

1. Joseph L, Standen M, Paungmali A, Kuisma R, Sitilertpisan P, Pirunsan U. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers: A systematic review. J Occup Health. 2020 Jan;62(1):e12150. doi: 10.1002/1348-9585.12150. PMID: 32810918; PMCID: PMC7434558.
2. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Driving and Ergonomics. OSH Answers Fact Sheets. 2025.