Physiotherapist reveals viral exercise to ease drivers’ back pain

Key takeaways

• Google searches for “physio near me” have risen 42% in the last year, with more than 18,000 searches in the UK in the span of a month, reflecting growing concern about back pain and mobility issues.

• Physiotherapist Rebecca Bossick explains that long periods behind the wheel, combined with road vibrations, can strain the spine and supporting muscles, increasing the risk of lower back pain.

• A simple exercise may help counteract prolonged sitting by extending the spine and relieving tension when performed before or after driving.

Back pain, particularly lower back pain (LBP), impacts many drivers in the UK. In fact, medical studies find that this is especially common for occupational drivers, with 84% expected to experience LBP at some point during their lifetime. ¹

Our analysis found that in the space of only one month, there were more than 18,000 Google searches in the UK for 'physio near me’, with searches increasing 42% in the past year. ²

MoneySuperMarket has partnered with Rebecca Bossick, co-founder and lead physiotherapist at OneBodyLDN, to explore the common causes of back pain when driving and how a parenting technique for babies could be repurposed to help drivers experiencing discomfort on the road.

Expert reveals why long-distance driving can cause pain  

Previous research from the British Chiropractic Association finds that nearly 73% of Brits struggle with back pain daily, so it is a widespread issue. ³ That said, long-distance driving can certainly contribute to or exacerbate the condition.

Rebecca Bossick advises that the spine moulds itself around the demands placed on it, for good or bad. She advises that back pain can arise from prolonged sitting in one spot.

This puts our spine under a sustained load which, over time, can cause nerve irritation, leading to shooting, painful sensations and numbness.

She also notes that, at the same time, the muscles that support our spine begin to tire and ligaments tend to stretch, leaving our back feeling stiff and less stable by the end of the day.

On why prolonged sitting can be more damaging to drivers versus office workers, Rebecca says,

“On top of long periods of sitting, drivers also must put up with the vibrations that come from being on the road.

Several groups of muscles in your back have to fire repeatedly and continuously to stabilise your pelvis just to keep you in position, and the longer that goes on, or the bumpier a road is, the more it fatigues and the more your lower back has to compensate for stability.”

How the ‘Tummy Time’ exercise could offer respite for drivers   

Dubbed ‘Tummy Time’, the exercise adopted by parents worldwide to help build core muscles for babies has gained immense popularity on TikTok, but now experts say this could be adopted to support adult life too.

Speaking on the routine, Rebecca says that ‘Tummy Time’ is essentially lying prone with extension of the spine, and targets the posterior chain, including the neck extensors, upper and lower back muscles, the core, shoulder stabilisers and glutes if legs are added.

She adds that the movement extends the spine, forcing it into the opposite direction to which it is used when sitting for long periods of time.

“One reason this technique may help ease back and neck pain is because of something called the ‘centralisation phenomenon’.

This is when people with lower back pain respond well to extension movements, as these exercises can move symptoms that have spread into the leg or buttock back towards the centre of the spine, which can cause symptoms to fade”says Rebecca.

How to safely carry out ‘Tummy Time’

1. Get into a lying position face down with your hands beside your shoulders.

2. Lift your head and chest off the floor to arch your back.

3. Hold the top position for 20 to 30 seconds.

4. Slowly lower back down.

When is most beneficial to conduct ‘tummy time’ exercises  

While ‘tummy time’ is likely neither safe nor feasible during working hours, especially as an occupational driver, it is recommended, where possible, to break up long trips every 90 minutes to two hours to incorporate some movement.

As for ‘tummy time’, Rebecca advises that it can work perfectly either before or after any trip.

Before the ride, she notes that your back muscles get a chance to prepare after sleeping; after the drive, it helps to release any tension before it gets a chance to stiffen up.

While the exercise is generally safe to perform, it is always advised that if you notice a worsening of pain, or it starts spreading to other areas of the body that you seek medical assistance.

Those who have previously had spinal or disc injuries should seek professional clearance before trying any exercises on their own.

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Backpain can be a dangerous distraction when driving for long periods

Long journeys can take a real physical toll on drivers, but it’s an issue that often flies under the radar. Discomfort behind the wheel can be distracting, and when concentration drops, road safety can be affected.  

Taking regular breaks, stretching before setting off, and avoiding spending hours in the same position may seem like small steps, but they can help drivers stay comfortable, focused and safer on the road.

Ultimately, looking after your wellbeing while driving benefits not just you, but everyone around you.

^Sources
<sub>1. Research from NCBI here finding that 84% of occupational drivers are set to experience lower back pain at some point during their lifetime.  
2. Google Trends was used to analyse UK search results for 'physio near me’. Correct as of August 2026. 
3. Previous research from British Chiropractic Association finding 73% of Brits experience back pain daily found here.</sub>