For the people who suffer from sciatica or any other type of back pain, Driving in a car is often a painful experience. The pain gets worse especially if you ride for an hour or more. Bumpy roads and awkward positions with limited freedom of movement will additionally favor harm. In this article you will find tips for pain-free driving with sciatica.
Sciatica pain: reminder
Sciatica mainly affects people between the ages of 30 and 70. It manifests itself by a nerve pain, usually caused by irritation or injury to the sciatic nerve. The latter constitutes longest and thickest nerve of our body, composed of five nerve roots that are at the level of the lumbar spine and the sacrum. It originates in the buttocks.
A true injury to the sciatic nerve remains rare. However, the term "sciatica" is commonly used for describe any pain that originates in the lower back and radiates down the leg. It usually results from a nerve injury, inflammation, irritation, pinching or compression of a nerve in the lower back.
If you have sciatica, you feel mild or severe pain anywhere along the path of the sciatic nerve. That is to say, it can extend from the lower back, to the hips, to the buttocks and along the legs. It can also lead to muscle weakness in the leg and foot, numbness and an unpleasant tingling sensation in the leg, foot and toes.
The most common cause is a herniated disc which causes pressure on the nerve root.
Why is driving painful when you have sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. It can have many origins. The pain is caused especially when remains in a static position for a long time. This is what happens when you drive a car or when you travel on a train or plane.
When you stay too long in a sitting position, the back muscles tense up and they can no longer play their supporting role properly. This is a factor that aggravates a sciatic pain when driving.
Tips to make driving with sciatica easier
In case driving is unavoidable for you, here is some simple tips to avoid back pain.
Be comfortable
Before you leave, take extra time to make sure you'll be comfortable throughout your trip. Even a small irritant at the start of a long journey can become a serious condition on the road. Empty your pockets of anything that might force you to sit with your spine out of alignment.
There are pillows specifically designed for individuals with sciatica. Put a cushion on your chair before getting in the car.
Driving with sciatica? Consider taking breaks
If the journey takes too long, give yourself a few breaks. Get out of the car and do some physical exercises. Prefer movements that stretch and relieve the muscles of the spine.
Straighten up
Sometimes the best treatments for low back pain are simple postural changes: sit up straight. Keep your chin up so your head is resting directly on your spine. It improves posture.
If you are driving, sit as close as possible to the valance to avoid having to reach for it.
Use a cushion designed for your sciatica or a small pillow, wrapped scarf, or folded garment between the lower back and the seat to support the inward curve of the lower back.
References
https://www.sciatic-relief.com/voyager-en-voiture-avec-une-sciatique/?lang=fr
https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/appareil-locomoteur/douleur-sciatique.html
My name is Arotoky and I am studying human medicine. Web editor for more than 5 years, I currently focus on the theme of health and well-being. I have the strong conviction that with my valuable articles, I can help many people to relieve their ailments and feel better. My goal is to share my health knowledge with the general public through web writing.