Sitting uncomfortably?

Numb legs and lower back pain are common on long journeys. But when times are tough, it’s hard to justify changing your car just because it’s uncomfortable. We spoke to a number of specialists – from car makerto healthcare experts – to bring you these top tips to staying comfortable at the wheel.

Sit tight
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a perfect way to sit in the car – whatever your driving position, if you remain there for a long period of time, it can become uncomfortable. Also, if you share your vehicle with someone else, you’ll have to change all the settings after they’ve been behind the wheel.

But if you follow our step-by-step good posture guide, you will minimise any strain, plus your body should be fully supported.

Enhance your interior
Remember, if you want to stay comfortable in your own car, the aftermarket should be the first place you look. Rolling lumbar technology has been incorporated into the Mercedes S-Class for a while, but for only £32.99 you can plug a Halfords 12V Massage Chair into your cigarette lighter socket.

If you don’t want power-assisted technology, try the superstore’s £29.99 classic beaded cover, and shift your weight up and down frequently.

If the seatbelt digs into your chest, you can get a protective pad from Motorworld (£6.99). Or if you’re prepared to spend more, you can buy a new set of seats. Recaro has an Ergonomic design that claims to ease pain (from £1,100). Alternatively, the firm offers a ‘try before you buy’ service, allowing you to spec your replacement seats.

Plan for comfort
the AA recommends drivers plan their route, and where they are going to stop before they set off. For every three hours at the wheel, it suggests a break of at least 15 minutes.

Google Maps was the top online route planner in our Issue 1,064 test, as it provides junction maps and a running mileage total. When you’re on the road, our Product of the Year, the TomTom GO 740 Live, gives up-to-the-minute jam info.

Bear in mind that you’ll get tired and induce cramps if you sit in the same position for too long, so move about from time to time, and if you feel drowsy, take a break.

It’s vital you get a good night’s sleep before travelling, too, while other tips include setting off early and planning driver swaps. The experts we spoke to also suggest wearing comfortable shoes and tuning in to radio traffic reports.

Bend over backwards
Drivers up and down the country are ridiculed for stretching when they get out of the car, but the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy says it’s good practice. It suggests 10 repetitions of the back extension – where you place your hands on the small of the back, and lean backwards.

Before you head off, you can prolong the onset of discomfort by doing a number of exercises, such as rolling your shoulders and arms. And when in the car, touching your head against the headrest and rocking your pelvis can slow the onset of discomfort.

When you stop for fuel, you have a great chance to do an exercise, and chartered physio Jan Vickery says: “While filling up your tank, pretend your leg is a pendulum. Swing it back and forth to prevent arthritis.”

Rotating your hips and stretching your back is also advised for a pain-free journey.

More information
 * AA  0800 085 2721, www.theaa.com

 * Halfords  08457 626625, www.halfords.com

 * Chartered Society of Physiotherapy  020 7306 6666,  www.csp.org.uk

 * Loughborough University Driving Ergonomics, www.drivingergonomics.com

 * Motorworld  0800 050 5000, www.motor-world.co.uk

 * Multimap, www.multimap.co.uk

 * Recaro  01926 484111, www.recaro.co.uk

 * TomTom  www.tomtom.com