How Can I Drive Comfortably With Sciatica? Find out here!

Last updated on October 15th, 2024

In this article, we will answer your most pressing concern; How Can I Drive Comfortably With Sciatica?

When you are driving or traveling on a coach, train, or plane as a passenger, you have no other option than to sit in a seat.

Sitting for long periods can worsen the symptoms of sciatica, and in some individuals, driving can worsen these symptoms. A person suffering from sciatica usually notices symptoms after driving a short distance and the longer they travel, the more the sciatic nerve discomfort becomes evident.

In this article, we will discuss what to do if you suffer from sciatica while driving. The following guide provides some useful tips to help, including advice on how to adjust your driving position as well as products that may be helpful.

Check out our review – Best Sciatica Pillow For Driving – Top 10 Reviewed!

Contents

1- Keep Your Driving Position Correct

While driving with sciatica, having the correct sitting position is essential to reduce the pain. But then the question arises, “In what position should you drive?” Make sure your bottom is at least as high as your knees. Moreover, while sitting, make sure you have enough room for your feet to wiggle, move, or shuffle. When using a back support cushion, place it about 110-degrees from the seat.

Furthermore, position your coccyx closer to the seat. As you sit in this position, you can comfortably reach the pedals with your feet and steer with your hands.

2- Use A Headrest Pillow

A headrest pillow is also useful for relieving sciatica. Ensure the headrest is positioned between the top of your head and ears; it should touch the back of your head to prevent traumatic injuries during rear-end collisions. Furthermore, a headrest helps relieve sciatica, neck pain, and back pain by improving blood circulation.

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3- Use Heated Pads

If you sit in the same position for a long period, your muscles may become tired. Heat, on the other hand, helps relax tense joints and muscles, resulting in better blood flow and pain relief. It is, therefore, a good idea for people with sciatica to use their vehicles’ heated seats. It is recommended to buy a heat pad or microwavable moist heating pad for your lower back if your vehicle does not have heated seats. Sciatica sufferers can benefit from these heated pads as they are helpful for blood circulation, and provide pain relief.

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4- Do Some Stretches

Stretches are a good way to cope with sciatica and heal your body. You probably already do some back care stretches every day, whether it’s to help you sleep or just get through your day. Make sure to do these stretches after driving long distances. It is easy to be lazy after driving, but if you stretch yourself out for a while afterward, you will be in a better state for the next time you have to get behind the wheel.

5 – Use Some Extra Support

Those suffering from sciatica will benefit from lumbar support. Lumbar support is a type of support that helps align your spine to its natural curve, by providing extra support to a particular region of your back. Today’s cars often have lumbar support built into them, but if yours does not, you can buy products to help relieve lower back pain.

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In addition to lumbar support, there are also specialty cushions, like the Sciatica Pain Relief Cushion. Using one of the best cushions for sciatica while driving can certainly provide pain relief. These cushions relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve and provide extra comfort while driving.

Best Sciatica Seat Cushions

Using a Sciatic nerve driving cushion or Sciatica travel cushion is the best way to drive comfortably if you are suffering from sciatica. Check out the following seat cushions to see how they can help.

A) Memory Foam Seat Cushion

With this product, you will receive both a seat cushion and a back cushion, which will meet all of your needs. To help relieve serious back pain, this cushion can be adjusted so you can place it anywhere on your seat where you need it the most. In particular, the U-shaped design is great for relieving lower backache and pain, as well as coccyx and sciatica problems.

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B) Gel-Infused Memory Foam Seat Cushion

Gel-Infused Memory Foam Seat Cushion is another excellent option for those suffering from sciatica. Regardless of how many hours you spend behind the wheel, the ergonomic design of this seat cushion will make you feel comfortable.

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6- Drive For Short Periods

It is also important to ensure that you are not behind the wheel for too long, as it is advised to take time to walk around occasionally during long trips. Be sure to take plenty of breaks and stop often while driving. This will allow you to stretch a little after getting out of the car. Every two hours, drivers are recommended to take a break for at least fifteen minutes, according to the Highway Code.

All of the above tips and products will help you drive comfortably if you suffer from sciatica.

Check Out This YouTube Video To See How You Can Drive Comfortably While Suffering From Sciatica

FAQ’s – How can i drive comfortably with sciatica?

1- Does sitting on a cushion help sciatica?

If you are wondering; does sitting on a pillow help sciatica? Then, the answer is yes, they do help in this regard. By using a wedge cushion, you can reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve roots in the lower back. Set the cushion at 45 degrees so the cutout is in the center at the back of the chair relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and the coccyx.

2- Can I drive if I have sciatica?

While flying or driving, you are likely to sit for long periods of time, increasing the risk of sciatica. By stretching and moving around (while on long trips), you can prevent lower back pain and leg pain as well. Additionally, you can use the above tips & mentioned products to drive comfortably while suffering from sciatica.

3- What can be done to quickly treat sciatica?

The pain associated with sciatica can be relieved with alternative heat or ice treatment. An ice pack can relieve inflammation, while heat increases blood flow to the affected area (leading to quicker healing). Moreover, sciatica is often accompanied by painful muscle spasms; these muscle spasms can also be relieved by applying heat and ice.

Final Thoughts

Sciatica is an extremely uncomfortable condition, so it must be checked out by a doctor or a back specialist first. You should not consider this article as medical advice, as it is only for informational purposes. Be sure you get permission from your primary care provider before you try any of the tips/products listed above. We hope you find some relief with these tips. Aside from that, it is not expensive to try any of these travel tips for driving comfortably with sciatica. Thus, you will be able to enjoy driving even when traveling long distances.

We hope you have enjoyed our article; How Can I Drive Comfortably With Sciatica? Let us know if you found it helpful.