Driving is something we cannot avoid most of the times. And when our neck gets strained easily by driving causing lot of inconvenience and pain then, our helplessness is inescapable. We might sometimes tend to shrug off the pain and go on until it gets really disabling. But if we learn that neck strain while driving can be easily avoided through simple tips and exercises then it is like a great burden off our shoulders!

Below are six of the best tips to reduce neck strain while driving:

1. If you are straining you neck while driving, the first and foremost thing that you need to take care is your neck rest on the seat. The neck is strained when it is not rested properly. Try using a neck pillow or adjusting your seat so that your neck rests properly while driving.
2. The posture of your shoulders is very important to comfort your neck. Make sure the position and posture of your shoulders is properly aligned. The shoulders should be free and easy but not still and tight.
3. The position of your hands on the steering wheel is also very important. An ideal hand position at the steering wheel is holding the steering wheel in the 5 and 7 o’clock position. You hands must be relaxed but at the same time they should have proper grip of the wheel.
4. Your neck must be relaxed and should be in a proper position. Keeping the neck stiff strains the neck. Make sure the neck is not tilted towards any side with extra stress, this will disturb the proper alignment and position of the neck muscles.
5. Make sure to take short breaks while driving and take a short walk and stretch yourself. Relaxing the muscles in between is very important if you are taking a long drive.
6. Gentle Range of Motion (ROM) exercises are very useful in relieving neck strains. Rotating the neck clock wise and anti clock wise relaxes the neck muscles and releases and stiffness and strain in the neck. Never try any neck exercises while driving. You must always exercise the neck in a relaxed state.