The Risks of Being Santa Claus

Part II: Driving

In this three-part Christmas article, we have discussed some issues that Santa may find while doing his job. In the first part, we covered the main issues that come from his heavy lifting, which are related to muscle injuries. In this second part, we will talk about the health risks that come from driving for too long. 

A great part of Santa’s job involves driving that sleigh for countless hours around the globe in one single night. For him, there is no time to rest during his Christmas delivery shift. Therefore, he would be driving long distances while getting off the sleigh at every house to deliver the presents. Many of you have a job like Santa’s that goes all year long. Therefore, the following recommendations might not only be useful to Santa but to those of you who have a similar job.

When talking about the risks of driving, the most common issues that might come off the top of our heads are probably related to road accidents. However, there are many other risks related to health that should be considered and prevented. Some of these include the chronic neck, back, or knee pain. It is known and as we have already discussed in previous articles that being in the same position for long periods can be detrimental to our joints, especially if we are holding a bad posture.

Sitting while holding a bad posture is harmful regardless of whether you are driving or sitting in front of a computer for long hours. The spine has a natural curved form that is altered by hunching or staying inclined to one side for too long, as it very commonly happens when you work while sitting in the same position for hours. Besides, the vibration produced by the car in movement can create more discomfort in the spine. All this together can cause intense back pain.

Holding a bad posture can have from short to long term consequences on our spine, that is why we recommend adjusting your conditions while driving to avoid hunching. To do so, you must understand what distance between the steering wheel and the seat works for your height, the same goes for the angle seat. Here, what is important is that you can keep your back straight while being in a relaxed position. Also, for your knee joints, it is important that you sit in a position that allows your legs to move comfortably, without applying pressure from the rest of the body to the back of the legs.

For what regards your arms and shoulders, these should be in a relaxed position, elbows should bend lightly. If necessary, these can be placed on armrests, but not on the window, since keeping your arm in this position can press your arm nerves and cause pain or have other long-term consequences.

Additionally, we recommend taking breaks and gently stretching your shoulders, back, and knees. We hope Santa has an adequate seat in his sleigh to meet these requirements and have a safe driving shift.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119