Prolonged driving is very common for truck drivers, so it’s natural to expect truck drivers to sit for long periods of time. While the job itself doesn’t sound too bad, sitting for long periods of time inside of a vibrating vehicle can actually do a number on the human body—far more than what people expect.
Since truck drivers sit for so long everyday, it’s important for them to think about the type of seat they may use. The difference between a comfortable ergonomic seat cushions makes all the difference when compared to a regular seat cushion. Not only does the ergonomic seat cushion provide much needed support, but it also feels more comfortable to sit down on for hours at a time.
Whether planning to become a truck driver or already working as one, people who drive trucks should know about the importance of getting the right truck accessories, like a good seat cushion for the job. So in this article, we’re going to review the importance of why truck drivers need a good seat cushion to help alleviate back pain.
The Case With Prolonged Sitting and Back Pain
As mentioned, sitting for long periods of time can do quite a number on the body. Sure, sitting does feel great after a while—it’s a popular way to lounge and rest for a reason. But if you sit for a long period of time, while sitting in a vibrating constantly shaking vehicle, something’s going to happen to your body.
The Effects of Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting can do various things to the body, especially when it comes to posture and the condition of the body’s bones, ligaments and muscles. Sitting while driving encourages the body to slouch into a rounded, usually C-shaped posture, which can roll the pelvis and cause strain in its ligaments. This also increases the pressure within the body’s intervertebral discs, leading to more pain and discomfort.
When you sit in such a position, the back curves or rounds, causing the head to push forward and forces the neck muscles to hold up the head. That causes strain within the neck muscles and radiates down the back, depending on how widespread the damage is. It also creates a static muscle contraction that creates stain and fatigue, while limiting blood flow to the back and neck.
Speaking of circulation, poor posture forced by prolonged sitting can also compromise circulation within the legs. A poorly positioned set forces poor posture, which causes the lower body to force against pressure areas, cutting off circulation to the legs and the rest of the body.
As you can see, the effects of prolonged sitting in a poorly constructed and/or positioned seat are very problematic. But there’s another problem that truck drivers face when they sit for hours at a time when on the road.
The Effects of Vibration and Temperature
An overlooked cause of back and bodily pains, particularly those originating from prolonged sitting in a moving vehicle, is vibration. Whole body vibrations can actually increase the rick of injury, since increases contractions within the back muscles.
Vibrations typically happen when a moving vehicle is in operation, but they can get worse if the vehicle passes over uneven road or pavement. The construction of a large vehicle like a truck makes it more susceptible to harboring minute vibrations, which do get ‘absorbed’ by the human body as they reverberate throughout the entire vehicle.
The temperature within a truck cab can also cause pain to develop within the body, particularly if the temperature changes often. Cold, in particular, frequently causes contractions within the muscles, usually in the back and the neck.
Choosing A Good Seat Cushion
Although many trucks and larger vehicles are fitted with seats, they can easily be swapped out for a more ergonomic and comfortable cushion.
Many modern truck seat cushions are designed to help ease back and bodily pains, while helping bolster circulation within the legs and the rest of the body. Ultimately, they help drivers drive longer while feeling much more comfortable than if they used another seat cushion.
Look for seat cushions that use memory foam, which helps reduce pressure on the tailbone and lower back. A curved design also helps improve circulation to the legs and improves posture, reducing pressure on the spine while evenly distributing body weight. A lightweight cushion that can be machine washed and easily stored within the cab of any large vehicle is something to consider.
Of course you want a seat cushion that has an ergonomic design that helps evenly distribute body weight, improving posture and spine alignment while driving your truck for several hours. A great seat cushion should also reduce the chance of experiencing pain and/or numbness associating with prolonged sitting. And look for a seat cushion that won’t lose its shape over time.
Geoff is a freelance writer at TruckersTraining.com with 20+ years of experience driving trucks and buses, dispatching, supervising, and training commercial driving teams. His expertise is writing topics on the transportation and trucking industry, and information technology trends.
