Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Explained | Page 63

Driving: When you get in the car, first sit on the seat with your feet still outside the car on the ground. Then swing your legs into the car. Remember to stabilise with your core muscles. The same applies for when you want to get out of the car. First swing your legs out, and then stand up. Remember to stabilise with your core muscles. When driving long distances, it is advisable to stop every 1-2 hours and walk a few times around the vehicle before you continue on your journey. Figure 11.4 These photos demonstrate the correct driving position and the correct way of getting in and out of a car. The picture on the left demonstrates how to enter the car. Note that you should sit down with your back straight and your knees together. The swing your legs into the car while you tighten your stomach muscles. This puts the least strain on your back and is especially important if you have diagnosed abnormality of your intervertebral discs. 62