Damage to your back can result from vibration of a vehicle or machine passing through the seat into the driver's body through the buttocks. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Whole Body Vibration refers to mechanical energy oscillations, which are transferred to the body as a whole, usually through a supporting system such as a seat or platform. Those most at risk are heavy equipment operators, farmers, and truck, train, and bus drivers.

The back is more at risk for injury in a seated position because sitting tends to flatten the natural S-curve of the back. This posture also creates a load on the lower back that is 50% greater than standing. One of the reasons that back injuries occur within a few minutes of getting out of your vehicle is that the discs and ligaments that support the back have not had a chance to "rebound" to a normal contour. Research shows that the risk for injury is highest in the first two or three minutes after you leave the vehicle.

So, what can you do to decrease your risk? In addition to the standard information about good posture and correct body mechanics, there are two activities that help reduce your risk.
  1) Stretch when you get out of the vehicle, especially a gentle back bend and hip stretch to balance the back structures
  2) Reduce the effects of Whole Body Vibration when you drive by using a vibration-dampening cushion. Of course, I recommend Spine Saver, not because I own the patent, but because I know it works.