Here’s something you can try. Place a folded hand towel or very very small pillow at your waist (between your waist and the car seat.) Make it to a size that feels comfortable and good to you. You may have to adjust it after a while. That pad will give you more of a curve in your lower back and let the curves in your upper back and neck fall into a more natural place. That means your head will sit forward more naturally on its own.

Here is something else that could help. Placing a thick pad on the whole back of your seat. That will move your body forward so the headrest will not be sticking out farther than your head does. I don’t have a recommendation for the type of full seat back pad but have seen similar things in catalogs. Also, if you sew perhaps you could create one.

You may think you have gotten used to it but your head is telling you that you haven’t. Your muscle tension headaches are a complaint. I’m glad you figured out the cause of your head pain.

One more thought: You don’t have to sit still while you drive. You might find it helpful to make lots of tiny movements. Turn your head slightly side to side, or up and down. Lift and roll your shoulders and let them drop. Shift your hips at traffic lights when you are stopped. Pretend you are chewing with your lips closed. Chew gum. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Squeeze your belly toward your spine.

The point is that sitting still without moving can cause muscle tension in itself. Movement helps relieve muscle tension.

Thank you for writing. Laurie. If I was a car manufacturer, I would hire people just like you and me to sit in car seats and give them a thumbs up or thumbs down.

Who needs a tension headache?

Warmest,

Kathryn