Ten tips for Driving
with back pain and sciatica symptoms.
When
I had severe back pain and sciatica symptoms I found driving to be the task
that was the most difficult for me and was one of the things that still
caused me to get radiating pain down my legs even when I was so much better.
I need to drive for my job, for a social life and just to get things done so
I tried to work out what might be the things that would help me to be able
to drive with the least amount of stress on my back.
One
of the main difficulties with the whole process of driving is that you are
essentially sitting still in a fairly confined space for long stretches at a
time with little or no back movement. People who drive for longer distances
can be at risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), dehydration, swelling of the
legs, stress and fatigue in the muscles. Often one foot is more active than
the other as you accelerate etc and one hip can be pushed into an
unnaturally higher position for long periods of time.
However there are things you can easily do to minimize the effects of
prolonged driving.
1.
Try out
different driving time limits to suit you. I usually find an hour is long
enough for me to drive without a break, but not too long ago I could only
drive for 30 minutes at a time. Whatever your limits take regular breaks and
get out of the car. Walk around, do any back pain relief stretches and just
move around for about 10 -15 minutes. If you are stopping at a service
station do not just go and sit in the café but move and walk around.
2.
Do not
carry your mobile phone or wallet in your back pocket. If you do it can
create an abnormal sitting position tilting one hip higher which may cause
you to have more problems.
3.
Do use a
lumbar support cushion. If your car already has a lumbar support which is
adjustable that is good but if not a lumbar support cushion will work as
well to give extra support for your bad back.
4.
Try using
a heat pad (if OK for you ) to ease aches and pains of a bad back and
sciatica symptoms when driving. You can get ones which last up to 8 hours
and are very thin so will not show and will not cause you to be
uncomfortable when sitting. They deliver a constant therapeutic heat which
can be very beneficial to ease back pain and pinched sciatic nerve symptoms.
Some cars may have heated seats which may do a similar job.
5.
If it is a
longer journey if possible try to share the driving. Sitting for long
periods of time is difficult for many people with back pain and sciatica
symptoms so you will still benefit from regular breaks, but being a
passenger is a little less stressful on your back and you may be able to
move around a bit more in the seat while traveling.
6.
Do your
back care stretches before you start the journey, anytime you can during the
journey ,in breaks and after the journey.
7.
Drink
plenty of water during the journey; it is easy to get dehydrated which is
not good for you or your back.
8.
Try to
maintain a good driving posture; this is easier if you are taking regular
breaks.
9.
After the
journey has ended, get a warm bath or shower for about 20 minutes to relax
you and your muscles.
10.
If
possible and if it is OK for you a relaxing massage may be beneficial.
If you are interested in learning
more about a way to get rid of the back pain and sciatica
read more
about the lose the back pain system for great back pain and sciatica relief exercises, back pain
information, support and expertise to help you get rid of the
back pain and sciatica.
So
to summarize this article….
·
Have short
periods of driving
·
Get out of
the car often for breaks and walk around
·
Stretch
·
Remove
wallet or mobile phone
·
Use a
lumbar support for your back
·
Use a heat
pad to warm the muscles in your back
·
If
possible share driving.
·
Do your
back care stretches before driving, every time you take a break and after
driving.
·
Warm bath
or shower after driving.
·
Massage
The Healthy Back Institute have
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pain, sciatica or herniated discs...or you could choose
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Sciatica/Back
Pain/Herniated disc Guides
The Healthy Back Institute have
now three Back Pain advisories for you to choose from...or you could choose
all three!
Back Pain Relief Guide
Get the latest, cutting-edge information about back pain, what causes it
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Sciatica Gone in Just Days
Most cases of sciatica can be wiped out in just days and often with just
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