How To Drive With Sciatica
Driving with sciatica can be so painful and difficult. If you live with Sciatica, coping with driving your car can be a challenge to say the least. After struggling to find what helped when driving with sciatic pain I want to share some hints and tips to help you driving with sciatica or back pain.
I have lived with back pain and sciatica and am talking from my personal experience. I am happy to pass on to you what I researched and learned about driving with sciatic pain and how to make you as comfortable as possible, why the type of car you have can make a difference and to make driving with sciatica or back pain easier on you.
I hope you find it useful.
I have lived with back pain and sciatica and am talking from my personal experience. I am happy to pass on to you what I researched and learned about driving with sciatic pain and how to make you as comfortable as possible, why the type of car you have can make a difference and to make driving with sciatica or back pain easier on you.
I hope you find it useful.
Sharing Driving With Sciatica Tips.
Driving Your Vehicle With Sciatic And Back Pain.
Driving was and is a very necessary part of my life. Even when I had sciatic and back pain I had to drive to work, to get shopping, to get to treatments, to see my family and friends...
I used to be in so much pain in my lower back and legs by the time I arrived at my physio treatment(a 20 min drive away) that I dreaded it. Driving longer distances with my sciatica was unimaginable.
Even when my sciatica started to ease, driving was still the one thing that would guarentee to make it flare up again. I could feel it happening and in crowded traffic there was nothing I could do.
As painkillers totally spaced me out driving while taking pain killers was obviously NOT an option. So I had to look for alternatives...
I would love to share these with you now, both the short term pain relief strategies and the longer term relief methods I found worked for me.
I used to be in so much pain in my lower back and legs by the time I arrived at my physio treatment(a 20 min drive away) that I dreaded it. Driving longer distances with my sciatica was unimaginable.
Even when my sciatica started to ease, driving was still the one thing that would guarentee to make it flare up again. I could feel it happening and in crowded traffic there was nothing I could do.
As painkillers totally spaced me out driving while taking pain killers was obviously NOT an option. So I had to look for alternatives...
I would love to share these with you now, both the short term pain relief strategies and the longer term relief methods I found worked for me.
Take Care Of Your Back
Ten Tips For Sciatica Driving.
1. Take a break. When you have back and sciatic pain try to only do short periods of driving. Thirty minutes is plenty before you take a break.
2.Move Around Get out of the car often for breaks and walk around. You need to get out of the car to give your back a break. If you stop at a cafe or diner do not stay in your car while you eat/drink.
3. Stretch-Essential to stretch out your body and do your back care stretches after you have been sitting driving. Take a few minutes to really stretch it all out.
4. Remove wallet or mobile phone from your back pocket. If you have a wallet in your back pocket and sit, it will immediately throw your sacrum and pelvis off balance and it is only a matter of time before back ache sets in.
5. Use a lumbar support for your back. Most cars are not designed well for backs. Using a good supportive yet yielding lumbar back support can make a huge difference to your comfort levels.
6. Use a heat pad to warm the muscles in your back. Sitting in one position and being unable to move much while you are driving can set in muscle fatigue and I find heat pads really help to keep the circulation and keep the muscles warm.
7. Share DrivingIf possible when you are suffering from back and sciatic pain or even when in recovery, share driving. I know it is not always possible to only drive for short distances. Wherever possible on a longer trip share the driving. Still have your lumbar support and heat pads but at least as a passanger you have more freedom to move and wriggle about if need be.
8. Do your back care stretches before driving, every time you take a break and after driving. Very important to keep your back in as good a shape as possible.
9. Warm bath or shower after driving. You will be fatigued so do take the opportunity to ease out those aches and bathe or shower whatever suits you best.
10. Massage. If you can especially after a long car journey visit a massage therapist then do so. You will need to check that they are certified and fully qualified to work on back conditions. If you cannot visit a CMT and you can ask a friend to give you a very gentle massage that may help too. Simple strokes can be learned easily but they should not attempt any deep massage.
For more details and to read the full article on tips for driving with sciatic and back pain please click on the link below
2.Move Around Get out of the car often for breaks and walk around. You need to get out of the car to give your back a break. If you stop at a cafe or diner do not stay in your car while you eat/drink.
3. Stretch-Essential to stretch out your body and do your back care stretches after you have been sitting driving. Take a few minutes to really stretch it all out.
4. Remove wallet or mobile phone from your back pocket. If you have a wallet in your back pocket and sit, it will immediately throw your sacrum and pelvis off balance and it is only a matter of time before back ache sets in.
5. Use a lumbar support for your back. Most cars are not designed well for backs. Using a good supportive yet yielding lumbar back support can make a huge difference to your comfort levels.
6. Use a heat pad to warm the muscles in your back. Sitting in one position and being unable to move much while you are driving can set in muscle fatigue and I find heat pads really help to keep the circulation and keep the muscles warm.
7. Share DrivingIf possible when you are suffering from back and sciatic pain or even when in recovery, share driving. I know it is not always possible to only drive for short distances. Wherever possible on a longer trip share the driving. Still have your lumbar support and heat pads but at least as a passanger you have more freedom to move and wriggle about if need be.
8. Do your back care stretches before driving, every time you take a break and after driving. Very important to keep your back in as good a shape as possible.
9. Warm bath or shower after driving. You will be fatigued so do take the opportunity to ease out those aches and bathe or shower whatever suits you best.
10. Massage. If you can especially after a long car journey visit a massage therapist then do so. You will need to check that they are certified and fully qualified to work on back conditions. If you cannot visit a CMT and you can ask a friend to give you a very gentle massage that may help too. Simple strokes can be learned easily but they should not attempt any deep massage.
For more details and to read the full article on tips for driving with sciatic and back pain please click on the link below
- TIps For Driving With Sciatica
- Links to an article about driving with sciatic and back pain, hints and tips and suggestions to help ease driving for you.
Therma care Heat Pads
Heat pads useful to ease back pain
These Therma care heat pads I find especially useful for use in the car as they are light, discreet and easy to position when sitting in the car.
ThermaCare Lower Back and Hip L/XL Air-Activated HeatWraps - Powerful Pain Relief & Deep Muscle Relaxation 6 Heatwraps
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 12/09/2009) 
ThermaCare Air Activated 2 Lower Back & Hip Heatwraps - Flexible Belt Fits Sizes S-XL
Amazon Price: $7.42 (as of 12/09/2009)
Pleasure Tops Cone Vibrator
Amazon Price: $35.20 (as of 12/09/2009)
ThermaCare Air Activated Heat Wraps - 6 Back / Hip One-Time Use Wraps - Size L/XL
Amazon Price: $28.99 (as of 12/09/2009)
How Do You Find Driving With Sciatic and/or Back Pain?
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Heat/Cool Back Pain Wraps for driving with sciatica
Heat wraps for back pain and sciatica
Take a moment to consider heat/cool wraps. They can be a huge help in pain relief.
There are many different types to suit any budget.
Some are one time only use, some you can reuse, heat up in the microwave, some are for long term use or for a few hours. It all depends on what you are looking for.
If you do find one here you like do click through and get it. If not click through and you will find many more on the trusted Amazon site for you to consider.
Personally I use the one time use of the Therma care heat pads and I have a longer term one I can reheat myself.
There are many different types to suit any budget.
Some are one time only use, some you can reuse, heat up in the microwave, some are for long term use or for a few hours. It all depends on what you are looking for.
If you do find one here you like do click through and get it. If not click through and you will find many more on the trusted Amazon site for you to consider.
Personally I use the one time use of the Therma care heat pads and I have a longer term one I can reheat myself.
HoMedics MW-BHC2 TheraP Hot/Cold Therapy Back Wrap with the Power of Magnets, Large/X-Large
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/09/2009)
FTS-save on shipping-Moist Heat Therapy Warming Lower Back Wrap - 174-101-08
Amazon Price: $29.98 (as of 12/09/2009)
HoMedics MW-BHC1 TheraP Hot/Cold Therapy Back Wrap with the Power of Magnets, Small/Medium
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/09/2009)
Duromed Therabeads Moist Heat Pack - Microwave & Reusable Pad - 5 x 12 - Half Size
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 12/09/2009)
Risks Of Driving
Do not drive if you have been advised against it by your doctor and/or are taking meds which adversely affect your abilities.
Eight Checks When Choosing A Car For Your Back Issues
Making a good choice of vehicle for your back.
1.Look for a car you can get in and out of easily and without aggravating your back pain or sciatic symptoms too much.
2.A tilted steering wheel may make it easier for you to get in and out of with back issues.
3.Power steering is wonderful and will help you a lot if you have upper or lower back pain and sciatica.
4.Check out the seat controls and test just how adjustable they really are.
5.Examine if the seats have heat controls. If they do this can be great to ease achng back muscles. If not heat pads do as good a job.
6.Inspect the boot or trunk. Test how easy it is for you to open and close it and lift items in and out of it. Shallow and flat is best.
7.Check your reach to all the controls. You should not be straining, stretching or twisting to reach them.
8.It is essential you take a thorough test drive to ensure the vehicle meets all of your needs. Get in and out of the car several times, drive it on different road types if possible. Check how good the suspension is.
For more details and to read the full article on choosing a car when you have back issues please click on the link below
2.A tilted steering wheel may make it easier for you to get in and out of with back issues.
3.Power steering is wonderful and will help you a lot if you have upper or lower back pain and sciatica.
4.Check out the seat controls and test just how adjustable they really are.
5.Examine if the seats have heat controls. If they do this can be great to ease achng back muscles. If not heat pads do as good a job.
6.Inspect the boot or trunk. Test how easy it is for you to open and close it and lift items in and out of it. Shallow and flat is best.
7.Check your reach to all the controls. You should not be straining, stretching or twisting to reach them.
8.It is essential you take a thorough test drive to ensure the vehicle meets all of your needs. Get in and out of the car several times, drive it on different road types if possible. Check how good the suspension is.
For more details and to read the full article on choosing a car when you have back issues please click on the link below
- Choosing A Car With Back Issues.
- Article about the eight essential checks if you want to ensure that your car will be as comfortable for you as possible.
Memory Foam Back Support Cushions for Sciatica Driving
Car cushions for Sciatica
I use a memory foam cushion everywhere and especially in my car! Even now that I do not often get back or sciatic pain I still use one as it makes any type of seating more comfortable!
In my experience most cars seats are not made for human backs! I struggle to be comfortable in most cars. With my memory foam cushion any car suddenly becomes a comfortable seat as a driver or as a passenger.
In my experience most cars seats are not made for human backs! I struggle to be comfortable in most cars. With my memory foam cushion any car suddenly becomes a comfortable seat as a driver or as a passenger.
Lumbar Cushion Memory Foam Back Support, Grey/Blue, Size: 13 X 13 Inches - 1 ea
Amazon Price: $19.94 (as of 12/09/2009)
Lumbar Back Support Pillow
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
MEMORY FOAM COMFORT PILLOWS
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
Free Back Pain/Sciatica Guides!
Informative Back Pain Guides Free
Free Informative and educative guides for anyone with Back Pain , Sciatica and Herniated discs.
I strongly believe in gaining as much information as possible to help you with your back issues.
They are written by the Healthy Back Institute who are committed to helping people get rid of back pain and sciatica.
I strongly believe in gaining as much information as possible to help you with your back issues.
They are written by the Healthy Back Institute who are committed to helping people get rid of back pain and sciatica.
- FREE BACK PAIN RELIEF GUIDE
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Back Pain Relief Guide
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TENS Machine For Pain Relief From Sciatica/Back pain
Ease Back and Sciatic Pain.
Undoubtedly a more considered purchase than a heat wrap TENS machines can be very valuable in pain relief.
I bought one and used it a lot during my back and sciatic experience.
I still use it now for period pain and it gets borrowed by various family members for pain relief. So for me the initial purchase though expensive was well worth it.
I found it very effective for my back and sciatic pain relief and it has had continued use.
I would advise you to read information about it and check the contraindications before using. You may wish to take it to your doctor to check it is OK for you to use.
I bought one and used it a lot during my back and sciatic experience.
I still use it now for period pain and it gets borrowed by various family members for pain relief. So for me the initial purchase though expensive was well worth it.
I found it very effective for my back and sciatic pain relief and it has had continued use.
I would advise you to read information about it and check the contraindications before using. You may wish to take it to your doctor to check it is OK for you to use.
ROYAL MEDISANA BACK PAIN RELIEF TENS TECH
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
Electrotherapy (TENS/Muscle Stimulation) Care Products
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
Patients Choice® Clinical Grade TENS Electrodes
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
Replacement Electrobes for Your TENS machine
HV-BIGPAD REPLACEMENT ELECTRODES 4/PK
Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)
List Price:
Driving Posture In Your Car helps with back pain.
Maintain a good driving posture for a healthy back
Driving With Back And Sciatic Pain Resources.
Driving with back pain resources on the web.
- Drivers.com
- Interesting article about drivers, cars and back pain.
- Sports Injury Clinic
- Article with information about how to drive more comfortably.
- BBC Article
- Driving Increases Back Pain Risk.
Interesting Article examines if drivers are at a higher risk of developing back pain. - FAQ On Driving Ergonomics.
- Frequently asked questions about driving ergonomics and health care.
- Times Article on hidden dangers of driving.
- Useful article on the hidden dangers of driving regarding posture.
More Information On Back and Sciatic Pain
Please browse my other sites about Back and sciatic pain. Hints and tips on everyday life and things that helped me.-
Back Pain Relief Without Tears, Your Way to a Healthy Back.
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Come Visit Me at My Back Pain BLog
Life With My Pet Back
- LIFE WITH MY PET BACK
- Blogging about various aspects of back and sciatic pain -physical, emotional and practical. Also articles from experts in the field.
Come on over and have a chat :)
Updates On Life With My Pet Back Blog.
A look at life, news,views and strategies around back and sciatic pain.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byDrivers Discussions
Leave a note about how you feel about driving with sciatica.
Hi, I love to know who dropped by ! Feel free to leave a message or any hints and tips for others about driving with sciatica.
I do read all comments and I do appreciate you taking the time.
If you found this site useful please consider bookmarking it on social networks and telling your friends. I appreciate that :)
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Reply
- spirituality spirituality Apr 14, 2009 @ 11:39 am
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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Reply
- chloecavanaugh chloecavanaugh Jul 11, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
- Truly insightful. A must read for those who suffer. Very detailed, and informative!
*****
~Chloe
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Reply
- Leslie Leslie Jul 1, 2008 @ 8:48 am
- I have a TENS unit...the blue wave and it is a life saver! I have a herniated disk and it flared up last week....the TENS is the only thing that helped me get out of the bed I was hostage in. I've been wearing it almost continuously since then. You can power it on or off as needed. I am looking for a place to purchase replacement pads from. Any ideas?
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Reply
- daoine daoine Jun 14, 2008 @ 11:12 pm
- A lumber cushion for supporting the back can really make a huge difference to how long you can be in a driving position without discomfort. I take mine everywhere. This is a really great lens :)
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Reply
- browndog21 browndog21 Jun 2, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
- As a back pain sufferer I found this lens very helpful. Contemplating a TENS unit. I will bookmark this page!
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Disclaimer For Driving With Sciatica
I am a recovering back pain sufferer and not a medical expert.This lens contains personal opinions that are not intended as medical advice. The contents are not intended to diagnose, treat or give a medical opinion.
The information here is no substitute for medical diagnosis and guidance. Consult a physician in all matters relating to health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Never disregard medical advice, or delay or change treatment because of something you have read here. For assistance with back pain, or any other medical condition, always consult a qualified healthcare professional. You health is your responsibility.
The information here is no substitute for medical diagnosis and guidance. Consult a physician in all matters relating to health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Never disregard medical advice, or delay or change treatment because of something you have read here. For assistance with back pain, or any other medical condition, always consult a qualified healthcare professional. You health is your responsibility.
Back and Sciatic Pain News.
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by jasmineann
Jasmine ann started writing as a recovering backpain sufferer. Here you will find an electic mix of lenses reflecting her life, interests and her love... (more)
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