A Guide for Delivery Drivers to Conquer Back & Neck Pain

Delivery drivers represent some of the unsung heroes of America. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, they ensure that our packages arrive promptly and safely, making our lives more convenient and efficient. Relatively few people are aware of how hard delivery drivers work and the physical toll they endure. While delivering packages may not seem as intensive/strenuous as construction, agricultural work, or other forms of manual labor, the 1.2 million courier and local delivery employees in the US [SOURCE] are often dropping off our packages while also carrying the burden of back and neck pain.  

According to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Occupational Health (PDF), professional drivers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal pain, or MSP, due to risk factors such as prolonged sitting, whole body vibration, awkward posture, and repetitive actions. The researchers reviewed 56 studies involving 18,883 drivers. Lower back was the most frequently reported body region with MSP, with 53% (nearly 10,000 drivers), followed by neck, shoulder, and upper
back. 

If you’re a delivery driver searching for practical information on relieving back and neck pain, this article will reveal: 

• Physical challenges faced by delivery drivers
• The best at-home products for managing low back and neck pain
• Tips for pain management

The Daily Challenges of Delivery Drivers 

There’s a pernicious side to being a delivery driver. Besides inclement weather, a high workload, and territorial dogs, delivery drivers have physically-demanding jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and prolonged periods of sitting. These activities can place immense stress on the spinal column and the ligature that connects to the vertebrae, leading to inflammation and pain. 

Poor posture and improper body mechanics exacerbate the problem, often causing long-term discomfort and potential health issues. Delivery drivers who ignore such pain aren’t just at risk of losing their livelihood (or having their pay reduced while on worker’s compensation) but also face serious consequences that can significantly impact their quality of life.

Back and Neck Pain - The Bane of Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers have one of the highest prevalences of stiff or painful lower backs. The frequent bending, lifting, and sitting can cause stiffness and discomfort in the lumbar spine, affecting the muscles that are responsible for maintaining the spine’s erect posture and the muscles that help the spine twist. 

Moreover, musculoskeletal pain can affect focus and concentration, potentially leading to accidents and errors during deliveries. Addressing this problem is crucial to ensure well-being and optimized job performance. Unfortunately, the line is often blurred between occasional low-back and neck pain and chronic pain that is difficult to treat. Thus, if you’re a delivery driver already experiencing low back pain on the job, don’t wait any longer to be proactive about it. 

Posture Pump® Products for Relief In Minutes

After delivering packages all day, do delivery drivers experience a dopamine surge when discovering a package left at their doorstep? One package that all delivery drivers should be excited to receive is a Posture Pump® product for back pain. 

Posture Pump® products use patented Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) technology to gently decompress and hydrate the discs, alleviating pressure and promoting healthy spinal alignment, thereby potentially relieving back and neck pain.

If you need a product recommendation, for back and neck pain, opt for the Posture Pump® Deluxe Full Spine Model 4100-S. This research-backed product has been successfully used by millions of people, many of them doctors or health professionals who recommend it to their patients, including Sam C., a chiropractor in Plano, TX, who reports:

“I have put many of my patients on the cervical Posture Pump® with very good results. I have seen whiplash injuries recover much faster to the correct cervical lordosis with decreased nerve interference and decreased cervical brachial pain. I have also seen chronic cervical arthritis with disc degeneration improve to the point of greater disc height, which reduces pain and numbness with improved limb function. Thank you for a product that really works and does what it says it will do.”

How Does Posture Pump® Work? 

Using Posture Pump® involves lying down for as little as 5 minutes per day, gradually increasing up to 15 minutes per day over time, while following the device's simple instructions. Posture Pump® works by gently decompressing the spine, increasing disc height, and drawing nutrient-rich fluid back into the disc pads. The result? It can bring potentially immediate relief from discomfort as well as preventing painful inflammation in the back and neck.

By regularly using the Posture Pump® Deluxe Full Spine Model 4100-S, delivery drivers can experience relief from painful lower back stiffness, enabling them to perform their duties more efficiently and comfortably.

Additional Tips for Pain Management

While Posture Pump® products offer a remarkable at-home solution, incorporating additional pain-management techniques can help to further enhance a delivery driver's well-being. 

Considering a delivery driver will have hundreds of stops per day, it’s essential that they use proper lifting techniques and kinesiological mechanics to reduce strain on the back and neck. In addition, delivery drivers can maintain musculoskeletal health by: 

• Stretching throughout the day or after a shift
• Strengthening the core
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Being mindful of posture throughout the day

The Importance of Self-Care for Delivery Drivers

After a full day of offloading hundreds of packages, it may be tempting to collapse on the couch and watch TV. But sitting on the couch, with back and legs at a 90-degree angle, can place strain on the lower back. Instead, at the end of a work day, delivery drivers should “wash away” the repetitive stress by doing a brief Posture Pump® session and by stretching while watching TV instead of sitting for a long time. Invest in a recliner that can go back to a 120- to 130-degree angle. Adjust the angle in minimal increments to avoid low-back stiffness. 

In addition, waking up early to perform yoga or dynamic movement stretches whenever possible can be very beneficial. 

If you’re not a delivery driver but have come across this, make sure to thank your delivery driver; don’t take them for granted!

Questions about Posture Pump® Disc Hydrators®? Visit our FAQ page or call 1-800-632-5776.