You are absolutely correct, prolonged driving does induce low back pain, especially with inadequate equipment. Here are some precautions which can correct the underlying problem:

1) Lumbar support: your spine has a naturally inward curve when standing upright, however, sitting in a non-supportive vehicle seat can causes the back to unnaturally straighten. This places the facet joints in an incorrect alignment which causes 2 problems. First the muscles of the low back have to work overtime leading to spasm. Secondly, the joints are unable to deal with the repetitive motion (bouncing) and begin to feel arthritic type pain in the low pain and upper buttocks. By providing lumbar support and restoring the natural inward curve of the back you can reduce this problem.

2) A proper seat shock absorber, or more correctly a dampener, can improve you condition for obvious reasons.

3) Excercise: strong back muscles not only provide natural lumbar support, but are more able to deal with abnormal positions such as prolonged sitting. General excercise such as jogging, fast walking, and swimming are advisable, NOT specific back excercises.

If this article is not making sense to you David, try sitting wih good posture in the seat (shoulders and buttocks back with good low back curvature) and see how much better you feel. Sometimes a pillow in the small of the back can help, and specialty products are available.

If the low back pain shoots down your leg, however, then you have a different condition and should seek medical advice.

Trucking Doctor