How to Get In and Out of Your Car

Sciatica and back pain

Did you know that there is a proper way to get in and out of your car? Well, believe it or not, there is, and it is especially important that seniors and those who have arthritis practice these simple maneuvers to enter and exit a car safely.

• Swivel in and out – Enter the car backwards and then swing your legs into the car in front of your seat. Reverse this order to get out of the car.

• Use the handles on the inside of the car – Generally located over the door or on the side of the door, holding on to these handles as you enter or exit the car helps you maintain your balance and gives you some leverage with which to raise and lower your body into or out of the seat.

• Use running boards – Most SUVs and trucks come with side running boards that you can step up on to get into the car. If your car is high, and you have difficulty “climbing” into your seat, think about installing them if your vehicle did not come with them.

• Use a plastic bag to cover the seat – This is an easy and rather inexpensive way to “slide” in and out of the car if you usually have difficulty. The bag slides with you!

It is important that you give yourself enough time to get to your car if you have a condition that is aggravated by getting in and out of your car. When you are in a rush, you tend to compromise your safety, which may lead to further aggravating an already painful condition.

Keep in mind too that chiropractic care keeps your nervous system running the way it is intended to and that regular adjustments often relieve the pain associated with arthritic conditions, making a ride in the car a real joyride!

Dr. Rob Asks some important questions of interest to Houston residents - Chiropractor Houston Dr. Rob Asks...

How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.
Is average normal or is normal average?
Every chiropractor knows that so-called "normal" is merely an average. What's normal for you may not be normal for anyone else. So the chiropractic approach to better health is to tailor our approach to the unique needs of each of our Houston patients.