Experts speak about effects

Dubai

Being stuck in traffic for long periods is not only time consuming but also affects your health, both physically and emotionally. Gulf News spoke to experts to learn more about this issue.

Dr. Sheela Gopalan, physiotherapy supervisor at the Canadian specialist Hospital said that the physical problems occurring in people who are stuck in traffic for long hours is common.

She said: “Most patients complain about lower back ache and radiating pain in their legs. This could be a sign of lumbar disc disease, which is a common occurrence for people commuting long routes. This leads to back muscles being tensed resulting in mobility problems. Tensed muscles lead to constant stress and discomfort being a hindrance. The muscle connected to neck and shoulder called trapezius muscle experiences a pull and feels tensed causing constant discomfort and distraction.”

Gopalan said that the best way to avoid any discomfort is to keep a cushion while driving and perform simple stretching upper back and arm exercises. Also, seat adjustment and back posture are very important factors to remember.

The effect on your health is not limited to the physical aspects but impacts mental health as well. Being stuck in traffic for long hours or simple commuting to a workplace that is far can often be stressful for the commuter.

“The time spent on road can often be seen as a waste. People stuck on routes often view this time as unproductive and instead could have used for making phone calls or doing other important tasks,” Dr Jared Alden, MSW-LCSW, a psychotherapist at the German Neuroscience Center in Dubai told Gulf News.

Over 40 minutes of being stuch in a traffic jam or commuting can be considered high stress zones as a person spends over 20 plus hours a week just travelling, Dr Alden added.

“Since being in traffic can be very stressful, not only physically but can be emotionally tiring, people go home feeling exhausted. This also affects their social and personal relationships.

“It is advised to engage time spent on road in something productive, like for example istening to an audio book. It helps relaxing the mind, add to knowledge and keep from falling asleep behind the steering wheel. It is a fantastic way to make use of the time in car,” Dr Alden concluded.