Using Pillows As Alas Sitting While Driving, Is It Really Beneficial?

JAKARTA - Not a few people have the habit of using pillows as a seat while driving, especially if the distance traveled is long enough. One of the reasons is that using a pillow as a seating mat can provide a sense of comfort during the trip.

Even though it looks simple, then is this one habit really beneficial for health, or does it only provide comfort during the trip?

According to dr. Ertania Nirmala, MBA, Sp.KFR, AIFO-K, Medical & Physical Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist from Eka Hospital Depok, this habit has health benefits, especially in reducing pressure and understanding that can have an impact on the body.

"The use of pillows while driving helps reduce shocks caused by police sleeping or uneven roads. This is very useful in reducing shocks that can have an impact on the backbone and nerves in the buttocks area," he explained in a media meeting in Jakarta, recently.

The use of pillows, especially those with soft textures, can serve as a damper that prevents excessive pressure on the spine and nerves, especially for those who travel long distances. With additional pads, the risk of injury due to vehicle vibrations can be minimized.

The injury in question includes health problems such as lower back pain or also known as low back pain.

Lower back pain is a pain that arises in the lower back of the body, including the lower back, waist, pelvis, and can spread to the buttocks to the legs.

The causes of this low back pain can vary, ranging from muscle problems, spine and joints, spinal nerves, and organs in the lower back area.

These health disorders can also occur while driving, especially if someone is in a sitting position for too long on the road, until suddenly exposure to the buttocks due to uneven driving on the track.

"The most common cause is muscle problems around the lower back that are tense or injured. If due to strained muscles, low back pain will appear gradually. Meanwhile, low back pain caused by injury will cause sudden pain," he said.

When driving, the use of pillows can help prevent pain and pain that often arises after sitting for a long time. However, he also added that the use of pillows is not always necessary, for example if the vehicle already has a good suspension system or if you drive on a relatively smooth road.

However, travelers who have to go through bumpy or uneven roads, adding pillows as a seating mat can be a simple solution to improve comfort and maintain spinal health and nerves.

"For those who often travel long distances, especially during homecoming, considering the use of pillows as a seating mat can be a habit that is beneficial for health," he concluded.