Beware! Traffic Jams Are Causing Heel and Back Pain
Driving for hours through traffic jams has made back, neck, heel and leg pain common. Experts say correct posture, stretching and regular exercise can bring relief.
Back pain, neck pain and pain in the heels and legs have become common among people who drive. But driving alone is not to blame. The pain troubles most those who spend hours in traffic jams commuting from home to office and back. Because of jams, a short journey can take several hours. Sitting in the same position for a long time and pressing the clutch and brake again and again gradually begins to affect health. Pain in the legs and heels has become common, and in many cases people have also complained of back pain.
Constantly looking straight ahead is also making neck pain a major problem. People are getting used to it, too. At first they do not even notice, but later it turns into a serious problem. The trouble is now appearing among young people aged 20 to 40. People say driving has become part of their lifestyle, so giving it up is not possible.
Sumit, who works at a company, travels from Gurgaon to Noida every day. He says he drives three and a half to four hours daily; jams stretch the time, and now his legs hurt. Sukriti Thakur, who works at a private firm, says her office is 20 kilometres from home, yet the journey sometimes takes an hour and a half to an hour and three-quarters. As a result she has gradually started suffering from back pain.
Driving in traffic is adding to the problem. Dr. Jayant Arora, an orthopaedist at Fortis Hospital, says long-distance driving is not itself the cause; rather, covering a few kilometres through heavy traffic is what causes trouble. Driving continuously through jams can turn hand and neck pain into cervical spondylosis. Sitting in one position for long also slows blood circulation, which can raise blood pressure.
There is a mental toll as well. Travelling amid noise and traffic is affecting people's minds. Irritability has become common, and it affects their work.
Pay attention to expert advice: Dr. Pankaj Agrawal, an orthopaedic specialist at Gurgaon's Civil Hospital, says adjusting the car seat properly keeps the back in good posture and puts less strain on the spine. Changing one's lifestyle is also very important.
Yoga expert Poonam Vimra says exercise can help prevent these problems. Stretching the body every now and then while driving can reduce strain. If the problem is serious, however, do see a doctor.
How to get relief
- Carpooling can give your body some rest
- Exercise, stretch and run regularly
- Using public transport is a better option
- Stretch your body at intervals while driving
- Keeping your back and neck in correct posture will reduce the trouble
