Travelling by motorhome means long hours at the wheel and living in a small space, and that can take its toll on your back and neck if you don't look after yourself. Back pain is a common complaint among those doing long routes. With good ergonomics and a few simple habits, however, it's preventable. Here's how to travel without discomfort. (If you have back problems, check with your doctor or physiotherapist.)
Behind the wheel: your posture
- Adjust your seat properly: backrest almost upright (slightly reclined), lumbar support, and pedal distance that doesn't force you to stretch or hunch.
- Relaxed hands and arms, without reaching to grip the wheel.
- Lumbar support: a cushion or lumbar support helps enormously on long routes if your seat is a bit lacking.
- Headrest at the correct height (also important in the event of an accident).
Breaks: the most important thing
What looks after your back the most isn't perfect posture, but not staying seated for too long at a stretch. Take a break every hour and a half to two hours: get out, walk around, stretch. Besides resting your back, it wakes you up and makes you drive more safely (fatigue is dangerous; see driving and rest).
Simple stretches
At every stop, spend a couple of minutes stretching your back, neck, shoulders and legs. And at the start or end of the day, a few stretches or some yoga eases a huge amount of built-up tension (see exercise and yoga).
In the living space
- A good mattress: sleeping badly strains your back (see the mattress).
- Take care when lifting: bend your knees, not your back, when handling gas bottles, tanks or heavy luggage.
- Get organised so you're not constantly stuck in awkward positions in the limited space.
In summary
Looking after your back on camper trips comes down to good posture behind the wheel, a good mattress and, above all, frequent breaks and stretches. The step to take today: adjust your seat properly with lumbar support, and get into the habit of stopping every hour and a half to walk and stretch; besides looking after your back, you'll drive more rested and safely. Pair it with exercise and yoga.