Neck and upper back discomfort is a common complaint with long periods of driving.
Driving and gripping the steering wheel is not a heavy task – but the sustained posture and constant gripping can transfer tension through to the neck, upper back and shoulders
Option 1
Thumb over the top of the steering wheel - the weight is shifted onto the pinky side of the hand and elbows drop down.
In this position, the vibration gets absorbed by the strong abdominal and core muscles. Which are designed to do this job
Option 2
Thumb around the steering wheel - the weight comes onto the index finger and elbows point out.
In this position, the vibration gets transferred up to your neck and shoulders.
The outcome is often a sore neck.
The intention is not to advise on whether the 10am – 2pm grip is superior to the 9am - 3pm grip or vice versa – but rather how a simple change of thumb position will change the vibration and tension through your body.
Of course, the other factors of adjusting your seating to suit and having regular breaks are also important factors in your driving comfort.
So, if you’re getting discomfort while driving – look at your thumbs.
A simple change may mean you get to your destination without that pain in the neck!