If you live in the UAE, you already know that driving is a big part of everyday life. Whether you’re commuting from Sharjah to Dubai, sitting on Sheikh Zayed Road during rush hour, or doing long weekend drives to Abu Dhabi or Fujairah, you probably spend more time in your car than you realize. And here’s the problem: Your body wasn’t designed to sit still in a car for that long. At KINETIKA Physiotherapy Dubai, we see many patients whose back pain, neck tightness, or hip stiffness started from one simple habit of long hours behind the wheel.
Why Driving Causes Back and Neck Pain
Driving seems effortless, but there’s a lot happening inside your body:
1. You stay in one position for too long
Most of us sit slightly slouched or tilted in the car. Even small posture mistakes put pressure on the lower back over time.
2. Road vibrations stress your spine
Constant vibration from the road (even with UAE’s smooth highways) fatigues the small stabilising muscles in your back.
3. Shoulders tighten from holding the wheel
Especially during Dubai traffic, your shoulders creep up, your neck stiffens, and tension builds.
4. Hip flexors tighten
When your hips are bent for long stretches, the muscles become tight — leading to lower back pain when you stand up.
If you’ve ever stepped out of the car after a long drive and felt stiff, heavy, or tight, that’s your body telling you it needs movement.
People in the UAE Are More Prone to “Driver’s Back”
Driving here isn’t like driving elsewhere our lifestyle adds extra pressure:
- Long Sharjah–Dubai or Ajman–Dubai commutes
- Frequent highway driving
- Sitting in traffic for long periods
- Weekend road trips
- Delivery drivers, sales reps, or field workers who live in their cars
That’s why back pain from driving in the UAE is extremely common even among young adults and people who exercise regularly.
Signs Your Pain Is Coming From Driving
If you notice any of these after driving, it’s worth paying attention:
- Stiff lower back when you get out of the car
- Neck pain from looking over your shoulder
- Shoulder tightness after holding the wheel for long periods
- Hip or groin tightness
- Pain that improves when walking but returns when driving
These are early clues that your body is struggling with driving posture.
Simple Fixes to Help You Drive Pain-Free
Here are some small changes that make a big difference:
1. Adjust your seat properly
Your back should be fully supported, and your hips should be slightly higher than your knees.
2. Keep your shoulders relaxed
No need to grip the wheel like you’re in Formula 1.
3. Take short breaks during long trips
A 2-minute stretch every hour helps reset the spine.
4. Try lumbar support
Even a small cushion or rolled towel can reduce pressure on your lower back.
5. Move after you park
Don’t go straight from long driving to sitting again. Walk or stretch for a minute.
These aren’t huge lifestyle changes, just tiny habits to protect your spine.
How Physiotherapy Helps
If the pain is already there, physiotherapy can quickly identify what’s going wrong. At KINETIKA, our approach usually includes:
- Back, hip, and neck mobility work
- Manual therapy to release tight muscles
- Strengthening your core and stabilising muscles
- Posture correction based on your actual driving habits
- Practical advice to prevent the pain from coming back
Most patients feel relief within a few sessions because we’re not just treating pain we’re fixing the cause.
Conclusion
Driving is part of life in the UAE, but pain doesn’t have to be. With the right posture, better movement habits, and proper physiotherapy support, you can enjoy long drives without paying the price later. If your back or neck hurts every time you get out of the car, it’s time to get it checked. Book your physiotherapy assessment at KINETIKA Physiotherapy Dubai and let’s help you drive comfortably again.
