Sitting extended periods is one of the top contributors to Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica. Muscles can become tight and imbalanced creating associated low back, buttocks, or leg pain. In addition to pain in the shoulders, neck, wrists, and arms!
Whether you drive regularly for work, have a long commute, or are heading out on a holiday road trip, these eight tips can help you avoid pain and discomfort.
Be mindful of driving posture
Do not slouch, make contact with the seat back, hold the steering wheel vs ‘resting’ hands on it.
Choose a vehicle that fits your body
Getting in the vehicle
Make adjustments to seat
- Bring the seat height up until your hips are level with knees. If you are too low, add a cushion.
- Adjust seat forward to press foot pedals without coming away from the seat.
- Bring the seat back forward until you are reclined at a 100-110 degree angle to decrease pressure on low back. Roll a small towel and place behind back for lumbar support if needed.
- Tilt seat cushion until it evenly supports thigh, without pressure in any areas, to avoid leg discomfort.
Adjust mirrors
Level the wheel
Remove wallet from pocket
Take breaks and stretch!
And don’t forget to relax your muscles when you get home. Treat yourself to a nice bath, turn on some relaxing music, and make a cup of soothing tea…changing habits and routines in a positive manner can make all the difference.
Sitting extended periods is one of the top contributors to Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica. Muscles can become tight and imbalanced creating associated low back, buttocks, or leg pain. In addition to pain in the shoulders, neck, wrists, and arms!
Whether you drive regularly for work, have a long commute, or are heading out on a holiday road trip, these eight tips can help you avoid pain and discomfort.
Do not slouch, make contact with the seat back, hold the steering wheel vs ‘resting’ hands on it.
Choose a vehicle that fits your body
Choose adjustable seats (height and angle), adjustable steering wheel, and backrest that stops at shoulder height.
Getting in the vehicle
When getting in, sit first and then swing your legs into the car.
Make adjustments to seat
- Bring the seat height up until your hips are level with knees. If you are too low, add a cushion.
- Adjust seat forward to press foot pedals without coming away from the seat.
- Bring the seat back forward until you are reclined at a 100-110 degree angle to decrease pressure on low back. Roll a small towel and place behind back for lumbar support if needed.
- Tilt seat cushion until it evenly supports thigh, without pressure in any areas, to avoid leg discomfort.
Adjust mirrors
Sit with a strong posture and adjust mirrors to see rear view. Once lined up, this is a good cue you are slouching if the view changes.
Level the wheel
Bring the steering wheel down and toward you to minimize reach for less strain on the neck and upper back. Hold hands at 9 and 3 or lower, feel the shoulders muscles relax.
Remove wallet from pocket
Sitting and driving with a wallet or other items in the back pocket can cause stress to the back and Sciatica-induced pain.
Take breaks and stretch!
Take breaks to get out and walk around or stretch at least every 2 hours. (Btw, our Miracle Stretch® Piri-Stretcher® travels really well for help with those stretches!)
And don’t forget to relax your muscles when you get home. Treat yourself to a nice bath, turn on some relaxing music, and make a cup of soothing tea…changing habits and routines in a positive manner can make all the difference.
I have Arachnoiditis and I'm in pain all the time and the two strong pain medication just takes the edge off and I'm really getting tired of suffering, and. It looks like the pain clinic has threw me under the bus, now that me that there no hope or cure for me, and if anybody ideals that can help me out please please let me know.
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