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Feb 5, 2021|Spinal Issues

Long-Haul Trucking and Degenerative Spinal Issues

A truck driver driving down a highway

Day-to-day working conditions put long-haul truck drivers at an increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries and pain. Sitting for hours on end has a negative impact on blood circulation and encourages the body to slouch into unhealthy postures, putting strain on muscles, ligaments, and spinal disks. Here’s a look at how long-haul trucking can lead to degenerative spinal issues and what can be done to prevent them.

Long-Haul Trucking Hazards

Long-haul truck drivers spend hours each day seated in the same stationary position. As a result, the muscles, joints, and ligaments may begin to feel stiff and sore over time, and blood circulation may decrease. Additionally, constant vibration and bumps from the road cause the whole body to shake, which can lead to impact trauma, a major cause of back pain, discomfort, and mobility issues.

Spinal Issues

Poor posture, impact trauma, and decreased circulation can all lead to spinal issues and pain in long-haul truck drivers. Common conditions include spinal compression, which causes tightness in the muscles of the lower and upper back, and sciatica, a compression of the sciatic nerve that causes shooting pains from the lower back down to the legs and feet. Trucking-related spinal issues can also lead to problems elsewhere in the body, including neck pain, tension headaches, and shoulder irritation.

Prevention and Pain Management

By improving their sitting posture and investing in ergonomic seat pads and supports, long-haul truck drivers can help minimize their risk of spinal injuries and pain. Taking regular breaks, getting enough restful sleep each night, and becoming more physically active can also make muscles and joints more resilient and resistant to injury. For lingering back and neck pain, long-haul truck drivers may also benefit from professional pain management treatments.

Long-haul truck drivers don’t have to live with work-related chronic pain and discomfort. At Tracy Chiropractic, our team addresses a wide variety of chronic pain problems, including those related to work, accidents, and sports injuries. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 209-835-6625.

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