(lifepr) (Selsingen, 09.09.2013) Working in town, living in the country and every weekend at the seaside - no problem when you've got a car. The average European travels around 15,000 kilometres with his vehicle every year. 40% of motorists spend more than 90 minutes in their car each day. But mobility has its price: millions of frequent drivers suffer from tension and pains in the back or neck. This is caused by unsuitable car seats that can't be adjusted to the driver's physical needs. Hours spent sitting in an unhealthy position can result in pain and back problems. But in many cases, it is simply not possible to avoid long car journeys. This makes the quality and comfort of a car seat all the more important.

The independent committee of medical and therapeutic experts working on behalf of the Campaign for Healthier Backs AGR knows what a healthy, top quality car seat needs. The main requirement is for individual adjustment possibilities that allow the seat to be adapted to different body sizes and shapes, together with a firm backrest shape that maintains the correct spinal position, as well as good side guidance at the backrest and actual sitting area for safe driving. After all, safety on the roads is crucial, alongside ergonomic design.

Retrofit seats: back-friendly solutions for every car

For some time now, car makers such as Volkswagen, Opel and Daimler have been well aware of the health significance of back-friendly car seats, with various models equipped with AGR-certified seats as an option and in some cases even as a standard feature. But you don't necessarily have to buy a new car if you want to do your back a favour. Retrofit car seats are just one alternative for health-conscious motorists. The AGR-certified seats by car seat specialist RECARO Automotive Seating can be retrofitted without any problems in (nearly) every car. Read on to find out why these seats have received the "certified & recommended" seal of approval". The RECARO Ergomed (models E and ES) and RECARO Style (models Sportline and Topline) seats have a back-friendly shape to give the body optimum support while driving; they can also be easily adapted to the individual needs of different drivers. The seat can be extended in length and adjusted in height and tilt for optimum distribution of the sitting pressure so that the driver can sit in the best possible position. In addition, the 4-way pelvis and lordosis support is fully variable. Generally the models stand out with easily accessible controls and simple handling. For more information, go to www.agr-ev.de/autositz

Hey truck drivers: make your long journeys more back-friendly!

Truck drivers spend their entire working hours at the wheel, day-in, day-out. Having the right seat therefore assumes central significance for the (back-)health of professional drivers. After all, complaints with the musculoskeletal system are still the Number One cause of days lost due to illness. Truck drivers can now proactively prevent back problems and counteract existing tensions by using AGR-tested truck seats. The trick: the two certified seats by truck seat specialist RECARO Automotive Seating (C 6000 and C 7000) can be retrofitted in many truck and bus models. Great advantage of the RECARO models: not only can they be adjusted to the individual needs of the driver; furthermore, they are also particularly robust and durable with a long service life, while offering maximum safety. They provide a unique combination of individually adjustable 4-way pelvis and lordosis support with adaptable side cheeks for seat cushion and back rest, together with shoulder adjustment as well as separately variable air-conditioning and heating. The seats offer optimum support for the back muscles, relieving the pressure on the spine, and also help the drivers to avoid premature fatigue, thus improving their productivity. This fosters safe, economic driving. For more information, go to www.agr-ev.de/lkwsitz

Breaks and exercise are indispensable

Regular breaks are indispensable during long car journeys. Even experienced drivers will notice that their concentration slowly diminishes, mile by mile. A short break in the journey helps them to recharge their batteries and clear their heads. In addition, movement and exercise release tension and re-energise the whole body. A short walk across the services car park or a few gymnastic exercises are all it takes. It is also important to have plenty to drink and light snacks to keep the body going.

In brief:

Long car journeys often place a burden on the spine and cause tension in the shoulders and neck muscles. AGR-certified car seats are a suitable solution in orthopaedic terms. The good news: health-conscious car drivers don't necessarily have to buy a new car. RECARO offers retrofit seats for cars and trucks that can be fitted without any problems in (nearly) all vehicles and have been awarded the "certified & recommended" seal of approval. For more information, go do: www.agr-ev.de