$99 New Patient Special - Book Now!

213 E Butler Rd Ste D-2

Mauldin, SC 29662

Phone Number

(864) 329-1515

Book Appointment
Follow Us:
(864) 329-1515

Share this episode:

all episodes

Healthy Habits for Long Car Rides and Commuting

  • August 17, 2026

Episode Notes:

In this episode, Dr. Matt Eiken of The Mauldin Clinic in Mauldin, South Carolina, tackles a surprisingly common source of discomfort and injury — time spent behind the wheel. Whether you’re commuting into Greenville each morning or hitting the road for a long trip, the effects of prolonged sitting can add up fast.

Dr. Eiken breaks down what actually happens to your body during extended car rides and why most people underestimate the risks. From posture and back pain to circulation and muscle tension, he covers the key areas that drivers in the Upstate should be paying attention to.

Tune in for straightforward, actionable habits you can start using right away to make your time on the road healthier and more comfortable — no gym required.

Hey there, and welcome back. I’m Doctor Matt Eiken from The Mauldin Clinic here in Mauldin, South Carolina, and today we’re talking about something that affects just about everyone who lives in the Upstate. Long car rides and daily commuting. Whether you’re driving into Greenville every morning, taking a road trip to see family, or just spending a lot of time behind the wheel, this one is for you.

Here’s the thing — most people don’t think of sitting in a car as something that could hurt them. But over time, that daily drive adds up. And what it does to your spine, your hips, and your neck is actually pretty significant. The good news? There are some simple habits you can build that make a big difference. So let’s get into it.

First, let’s talk about your seat position. This is probably the most overlooked thing people get wrong. Most folks either sit too far back in a reclined position, or they’re hunched forward gripping the wheel. Neither one is great. What you want is to sit with your hips all the way back in the seat, your knees roughly level with your hips, and your back supported against the seat. If your car has lumbar support, use it. If it doesn’t, a small rolled towel placed at your lower back can do wonders. Your shoulders should be relaxed, not raised up toward your ears. And your hands — keep them low on the wheel, around the seven and five position if you’re thinking of a clock. That keeps your arms relaxed and takes stress off your neck and upper back.

Now, here’s something I want you to really hear. The biggest enemy on long drives isn’t speed or traffic. It’s staying in one position for too long. Your body is designed to move. When you hold any position for an extended period, the muscles and joints start to stiffen up. Blood flow slows down. You start to feel that ache in your low back or that tightness in your hips. Sound familiar?

So here’s the practical fix — and it’s simple. Every forty-five minutes to an hour, stop and get out of the car. Even if it’s just for two or three minutes. Walk around. Roll your shoulders back a few times. Do a gentle side bend. Reach your arms overhead and take a deep breath. These little movement breaks literally reset your spine. They bring circulation back to the muscles and keep everything from locking up. I know it feels like it slows you down, but trust me — arriving feeling okay is way better than arriving stiff and miserable.

For those of you who commute daily and stopping every forty-five minutes just isn’t realistic, there are still things you can do. Try doing some gentle neck rolls at red lights. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and release — that helps counteract that forward slumped posture you get from driving. When you get to work or get home, don’t just go straight to your desk or your couch. Take five minutes to walk and stretch first. Your body needs that transition time.

Hydration is another one people forget about. When you’re dehydrated, your spinal discs actually lose some of their cushioning ability. Drink water before and during your drive. It sounds so simple, but it genuinely supports your spine.

Now, when should you come see us? If you’re noticing low back pain or stiffness that seems worse after driving, if you’ve got tension headaches that tend to show up in the afternoon after your commute, or if you feel like you just can’t get comfortable behind the wheel no matter what you try — those are signs your spine might need some attention. Sometimes there’s an underlying alignment issue that’s just being aggravated by all that sitting, and a few adjustments can really turn things around.

We work with a lot of commuters and folks who spend a good chunk of their day in the car. You’d be surprised how much better you can feel with just a little bit of care and the right habits.

Alright, that’s what I’ve got for you today. Thank you so much for listening. If you’re in the Mauldin area and you’d like to come in and get evaluated, we would love to see you at The Mauldin Clinic. Give us a call, check us out online, or just stop by. We’re here to help you feel your best — whether you’re on the road or off it. Take care of yourself, and we’ll talk soon.