Lumbar support when travelling

Do you ever experience discomfort or low back pain while travelling for extended periods?

If the answer is yes, you’re not along.

I bought my first lumbar support before travelling overseas in 2016. It helped ease my discomfort on long-haul flights and was a handy headrest on the buses, trains and trams I caught while backpacking through Europe. I still have it today and use it to support my back while travelling – even on the daily commute! It has been an excellent investment that has often saved my back from irritation.

There is a growing awareness of how sitting all the time is bad for our health. The demand for sit-to-stand desks in the workplace has grown, and people are opting to try and move more. However, there is no standing option for travelling in our cars… yet (come on Elon).

If we travel long distances, whether on holiday, commuting to and from work or stuck in traffic, we can’t avoid sitting in our car for extended periods. All those hours in the car can contribute to lower back pain and can be exacerbated if we are stressed or excessively tensing up muscles for long durations.

When you spend extended periods driving, it’s essential to ensure that your lower back is well-supported. The lack of support can cause discomfort or even lead to chronic pain. Sitting in a car seat for hours can put extra pressure on your lower back, especially if your seat is not ergonomically designed. One way to prevent this is by investing in a lumbar support pillow. However, you don’t need to go for the latest and most expensive lumbar support pillow on the market. There are plenty of affordable options that can provide adequate support and comfort for your lower back.

Or you can make your own

Alt text – Lumbar support

Use a towel to make your own lumbar support:

Grab your towel and fold it in half lengthwise, then roll it up and pop a few rubber bands around it if you wish. Voilà! A lumbar roll perfect for supporting your low back and promoting good posture while in the car.

When placing the towel, you want it to be in the small of your low back, right above those hip bones (aka your iliac crests). It should help support the natural curve of your low back, and allow you to have better posture while in the car.

So, before you hit the road, ensure your lower back is well-supported to avoid any discomfort or pain.
Happy (and safe driving)!