Back pain has led more than two-thirds (70%) of van drivers to take time off work, costing the UK economy around £21 billion per year, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The study also revealed that poor seat adjustment could be to blame for the problem, with the resulting downtime costing businesses an average of £500 per day per van.
Prab Chandhok, chiropractor and member of the British Chiropractic Association, said, “Many people now point to driving as a trigger for their back or neck pain, so it’s really important that your van is set up properly for your needs, to help ease the strain that driving – especially for long periods of time – can have on your back and neck.
“The key thing to remember is that there is no single seat that is perfect for everyone, so it’s practical to test the seat out fully before you buy a new vehicle. The more adjustable it is the better.”
