Why Does My Car Hate My Back?

Let’s be honest: for most of us in Neath, our cars are our lifelines. Whether you’re heading to the shops, commuting to Swansea, or driving up through the valleys, you expect to get in and out of your vehicle without a second thought.

But for many, that simple act of sliding into the driver’s seat has become a daily dread. You feel that sharp, "toothache-like" stab in your lower back, or perhaps a sudden "click" in your hip that makes you catch your breath.

If car transfers are becoming your daily nemesis, the culprit isn't just "old age"—it’s likely your SI (Sacroiliac) Joint.

The "Twist and Shout": Why Your Pelvis Rebels

At Physora Physio, we see patients every week who tell us the same thing: "I’m fine once I’m walking, but getting out of the car kills me!" There is a fascinating (and frustrating) biomechanical reason for this. Your SI joint connects your spine to your pelvis. It’s designed to be a rock-solid anchor, but car transfers force it to do everything it hates at once:

The Multi-Tasking Strain: Getting into a car isn’t a straight movement. You’re bending your hip, rotating your torso, and leaning sideways simultaneously. For an irritated SI joint, this is the "perfect storm" of stress.

The One-Legged Pivot: When you exit a car, you usually plant one foot and pivot your entire body weight on it. This creates a "shearing" force on your pelvic ligaments.

The Weight Shift: That moment your weight transitions from the seat to your feet is when the SI joint has to suddenly "lock" into place to support you. If it’s inflamed, it sends out a sharp pain signal instead.

Is Your Car Transfer a Secret Diagnostic Tool?

Believe it or not, your car is actually a great physical therapist! The way you struggle with a vehicle is a classic diagnostic sign.

At our Neath clinic, we often use your "car transfer comfort" as a benchmark for recovery. Because this movement is so complex, when you can finally get out of the car at the Gnoll or Victoria Gardens without that familiar stab of pain, we know your treatment is working.

3 Quick Fixes for Neath Drivers

Before your next appointment at Physora Physio, try these "pro-tips" to take the pressure off:

The "Both Legs" Swing: Instead of leading with one leg, sit on the seat first with your legs out, then swing both knees into the car together like a mermaid.

The Plastic Bag Hack: It sounds silly, but placing a plastic bag on your fabric seat helps you slide and pivot without the "twist" that hurts your back.

The Nose-to-Toes Rule: Try to keep your belly button pointing in the same direction as your knees as you exit. Don't leave your hips behind!

Get Back in the Driver’s Seat with Physora Physio

You shouldn’t have to "brace yourself" every time you run an errand. At Physora Physio Neath, we specialize in unpicking these exact movement patterns. We don't just treat the pain; we retrain your body so you can move with confidence again.

Ready to leave that stabbing pain in the rear view mirror?