Sciatic nerve pain whilst driving?
Discussion
Until my 50's I could drive 6 hours with no real issue. But now in my 50s I find after an hour I get discomfort all along the underside of my right thigh. It's a low level pain/severe discomfort which has me shifting around to take the weight off my leg.
I am assuming this is the sciatic nerve getting compressed, does that sound correct?
I have tried shifting weight around and every conceivable position of my seat (ten way adjustment) but can't find a position that helps other than a few minutes.
So I have bought a 8 degree wedge cushion for the car which should provide more padding beneath my legs but that has not come as yet.
Anyone else get this discomfort and agree with my diagnosis and solution? Any better ideas? Thanks.
I am assuming this is the sciatic nerve getting compressed, does that sound correct?
I have tried shifting weight around and every conceivable position of my seat (ten way adjustment) but can't find a position that helps other than a few minutes.
So I have bought a 8 degree wedge cushion for the car which should provide more padding beneath my legs but that has not come as yet.
Anyone else get this discomfort and agree with my diagnosis and solution? Any better ideas? Thanks.
I have the same - I find it wholly dependent on the car and the combination of seats and overall driving position of the vehicle. In my R8 I'm in quite bad discomfort after a couple of hours max (with no seating position providing respite), but in my X5 I can drive for 12 hours and get out fresh.
Does your car have narrow seat bolsters?
You have a muscle called your piriformis in your butt that can get inflamed and then press on your sciatic nerve. My current car has fairly narrow and aggressive side bolsters that gives me the same symptoms.
I think sciatica can also originate in your back if you have a slipped disc etc.
You have a muscle called your piriformis in your butt that can get inflamed and then press on your sciatic nerve. My current car has fairly narrow and aggressive side bolsters that gives me the same symptoms.
I think sciatica can also originate in your back if you have a slipped disc etc.
Same here, I just put it down to years of compression of the nerve balancing the throttle pedal as I reach 50!
Only thing is to take regular breaks and try and use the cruise control more, or ideally avoid driving for periods when it flares up.
I expect injury / health conditions caused by compression of the vascular system is going to be a huge issue for professional drivers as they age or anyone exposed to long stints in the driving seat.
Any action you can take to minimise the cause of the flare ups is better than trying to drive through them from experience.
Only thing is to take regular breaks and try and use the cruise control more, or ideally avoid driving for periods when it flares up.
I expect injury / health conditions caused by compression of the vascular system is going to be a huge issue for professional drivers as they age or anyone exposed to long stints in the driving seat.
Any action you can take to minimise the cause of the flare ups is better than trying to drive through them from experience.
I endured 4 months of what I assumed was sciatica over last summer. It felt like I was being stabbed in the back of my leg when I got up to move after a period of sitting down and had nerve pain in my foot.
It finally flared up massively one day, I couldn't even stand. I've known nothing like it before in my life and hope I never do again.
A trip to the chiropractor confirmed it wasn't sciatica. 30 minutes of treatment and the pain has never been seen again.
Don't do what I did. I had 5 months not working and focused on our house renovation during which time the pain started. I'll never have that 'luxury' again and my incorrect assumption ruined that time for me.
Go and get seen to.
It finally flared up massively one day, I couldn't even stand. I've known nothing like it before in my life and hope I never do again.
A trip to the chiropractor confirmed it wasn't sciatica. 30 minutes of treatment and the pain has never been seen again.
Don't do what I did. I had 5 months not working and focused on our house renovation during which time the pain started. I'll never have that 'luxury' again and my incorrect assumption ruined that time for me.
Go and get seen to.
Oddly when I had a slipped disc resulting in severe pain in the left leg if I sat for more than a few minutes except when I sat in one place
My 2004 Honda Accord.
See your GP as it could be any number of things causing it, be prepared because on the first visit he will probably tell you to take paracetamol and come back in two weeks if it is no better as mine did. Two weeks later I knew what the problem was, he still didn't have a clue.
My 2004 Honda Accord.
See your GP as it could be any number of things causing it, be prepared because on the first visit he will probably tell you to take paracetamol and come back in two weeks if it is no better as mine did. Two weeks later I knew what the problem was, he still didn't have a clue.
Pistonpants said:
Does your car have narrow seat bolsters?
You have a muscle called your piriformis in your butt that can get inflamed and then press on your sciatic nerve. My current car has fairly narrow and aggressive side bolsters that gives me the same symptoms.
I think sciatica can also originate in your back if you have a slipped disc etc.
That does sound feasible, yes seat bolsters are close together and press in the side of my butt/legs. I have tried shifting over to the left and thus far seems better but creates another issue of sitting at a weird sideways angle when driving. I think the cushion I have ordered will raise my leg/backside above the bolster a bit so may cure it.You have a muscle called your piriformis in your butt that can get inflamed and then press on your sciatic nerve. My current car has fairly narrow and aggressive side bolsters that gives me the same symptoms.
I think sciatica can also originate in your back if you have a slipped disc etc.
MBVitoria said:
I'd go and see your GP to get checked out. From what I understand, sciatica is a symptom rather than a condition in itself and can be caused by a number of underlying factors, ranging from soft tissue injuries to more sinister things like tumours pressing on your spine.
Thanks. I don't think I have sciatica as I only get this issue when driving, I think it is related to my seat bolsters as a poster above suggested. tyswanseaboydan said:
In my lengthy painful experience- an automatic is a must if you are in a Manual - the clutch action really aggravated my back. Also a higher seating position - 4x 4 type car.
What are you driving ?
Yep I have an automatic. Jaguar XF. Am resorting to a cushion as just can't get comfy on the seat, I think the bolsters may be the issue so a cushion will rise me above those.What are you driving ?
James6112 said:
I had it a few years ago.
I bought one of these things used by taxi drivers!
Felt a bit odd, but fixed my discomfort.
No longer use it, my problem went away:-
Yes I am pondering one of those as well as the cushion I have on order. Trouble is I am tall and already have my seat low. After I have added my cushion I may lack headroom and if I add one of these back supports leg room will become an issue. Still I will give it a try if the cushion doesn't work. tyI bought one of these things used by taxi drivers!
Felt a bit odd, but fixed my discomfort.
No longer use it, my problem went away:-
Scarletpimpofnel said:
Thanks. I don't think I have sciatica as I only get this issue when driving, I think it is related to my seat bolsters as a poster above suggested. ty
I have a prolapsed (slipped) disc, I’ve had it for nearly 20 years, and the only thing that really upsets it is driving. When it started I thought it was a pulled muscle, but it got worse to the point I couldn’t walk.The issue can be caused by the back bending instead of the hip rotating, sometimes caused by inflexibility in men.The seating position in cars will cause lopsided pressure on the disc, which will then compress on one side and press on the spinal column. Doing some Achilles stretches will give you more flexibility and help reduce the problem by letting the hip rotate more. A doctor can do a very simple leg lift test to see if this is the problem.
I hope this helps.
Like archie I had a prolapsed (herniated) disc - 'slipped' is a bit of a misnomer, discs don't really 'slip' anywhere. Scarletpimpofenel, your problem sounds like mine was - the bigger problem is 'if' it is a disc causing your problem you'll know when it let's go!
You end up like archie, and me, being able to barely walk without being in agony. This was years ago by the way in my very early 50s, now in 70s.
When you hear people say: 'I only bent down to pick up a pencil and I slipped a disc.' That's rubbish, the problem will have been building up for some time, possibly months or longer. I used to 'ache' in the same places, hip, lower back etc, while driving. You'd get out after a drive and gradually it would ease and you'd feel fine. I'm tall too, and posture was never brilliant - all pointers to back and leg pain problems for the future.
Then one day I'd parked up, been to Halfords, came back to my car, put one foot in the car (like 'everyone' does, not me anymore!) went to sit down and jeez the pain up the leg and to hip was unbelievable! Another motorist had spotted me and came to help. Got me out of the car and he could see the agony I was in so said he'd call 999. I told him not to, typical bloke! I tried to walk around a tad and the pain eased - did I just imagine all that? No.
I went to get back in the car and jeez, agony again! I stubbornly drove home. Wife made appointment at the docs. He knew immediately what it was (he had a kneeling chair - for bad backs and sciatica sufferers). He gave me the 'leg lift' test to confirm.
Long story short. MRI scans showed herniated lower disc. Saw surgeon and was down for an op but months away. Physio gave me lots of exercises to do (roll ups are great, as is stretching, touch toes etc - 'when' you are able to do them' of course. My wife was putting my socks on for me for two months!
When able I just did loads of exercise, stretching, even hanging from a wall bar, etc and most importantly, walking. I walked miles - I still recall the first painful walks, 3 hours to do 3 miles! The week before my op, I went for the pre-med. I looked around at the other poor sods waiting, who all looked just like I did ages ago, and hardly able to move. The surgeon said I'd progressed so well he didn't want to go ahead with surgery, but he'd 'keep the door open' for me if I changed my mind. I didn't.
I get the odd but rare spell of sciatica (the sciatic nerve is the longest biggest nerve in the body and goes down both legs to the feet, from your 'rear'. Herniated disc(s) press on the nerve and inflame it, hence it can run down one leg or both legs giving pain.
If I get pain, I touch my toes a few times, or do some roll-ups (lie on back, bring both knees up to chest and gently roll back and forth - it's amazing how it can help ease any pain).
In the early days of my pain I was too scared to move, which just tightens everything up, a vicious circle.
If you want to know how your back works, I recommend this book. It was recommended to me and was a godsend! It's always nearby just in case...
It's on amazon still the same price, a tenner, I paid all those years ago (paperback) and my review is among many giving it 5 stars.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Keys-Back-Sufferers...
Oh, nearly forgot. The bit about getting into a car. I always got into a (rhd) car just like everyone else, you stick your left leg in, sit and bring your right leg in. After being told by a doc that is what everyone does and it tantamount to a balancing act, that should you have any leg or back problems this will highlight it. As it did in my case. The answer (and I've done this for the last almost 20 yrs). Sit your bum on the seat first and then swing your legs inside. It's second nature to me now of course. I sometimes watch and cringe as some people get in their cars, especially when they are a bit doddery. It's actually 'quicker and easier' to just sit bum and swing legs inside. Try it!
You end up like archie, and me, being able to barely walk without being in agony. This was years ago by the way in my very early 50s, now in 70s.
When you hear people say: 'I only bent down to pick up a pencil and I slipped a disc.' That's rubbish, the problem will have been building up for some time, possibly months or longer. I used to 'ache' in the same places, hip, lower back etc, while driving. You'd get out after a drive and gradually it would ease and you'd feel fine. I'm tall too, and posture was never brilliant - all pointers to back and leg pain problems for the future.
Then one day I'd parked up, been to Halfords, came back to my car, put one foot in the car (like 'everyone' does, not me anymore!) went to sit down and jeez the pain up the leg and to hip was unbelievable! Another motorist had spotted me and came to help. Got me out of the car and he could see the agony I was in so said he'd call 999. I told him not to, typical bloke! I tried to walk around a tad and the pain eased - did I just imagine all that? No.
I went to get back in the car and jeez, agony again! I stubbornly drove home. Wife made appointment at the docs. He knew immediately what it was (he had a kneeling chair - for bad backs and sciatica sufferers). He gave me the 'leg lift' test to confirm.
Long story short. MRI scans showed herniated lower disc. Saw surgeon and was down for an op but months away. Physio gave me lots of exercises to do (roll ups are great, as is stretching, touch toes etc - 'when' you are able to do them' of course. My wife was putting my socks on for me for two months!
When able I just did loads of exercise, stretching, even hanging from a wall bar, etc and most importantly, walking. I walked miles - I still recall the first painful walks, 3 hours to do 3 miles! The week before my op, I went for the pre-med. I looked around at the other poor sods waiting, who all looked just like I did ages ago, and hardly able to move. The surgeon said I'd progressed so well he didn't want to go ahead with surgery, but he'd 'keep the door open' for me if I changed my mind. I didn't.
I get the odd but rare spell of sciatica (the sciatic nerve is the longest biggest nerve in the body and goes down both legs to the feet, from your 'rear'. Herniated disc(s) press on the nerve and inflame it, hence it can run down one leg or both legs giving pain.
If I get pain, I touch my toes a few times, or do some roll-ups (lie on back, bring both knees up to chest and gently roll back and forth - it's amazing how it can help ease any pain).
In the early days of my pain I was too scared to move, which just tightens everything up, a vicious circle.
If you want to know how your back works, I recommend this book. It was recommended to me and was a godsend! It's always nearby just in case...
It's on amazon still the same price, a tenner, I paid all those years ago (paperback) and my review is among many giving it 5 stars.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Keys-Back-Sufferers...
Oh, nearly forgot. The bit about getting into a car. I always got into a (rhd) car just like everyone else, you stick your left leg in, sit and bring your right leg in. After being told by a doc that is what everyone does and it tantamount to a balancing act, that should you have any leg or back problems this will highlight it. As it did in my case. The answer (and I've done this for the last almost 20 yrs). Sit your bum on the seat first and then swing your legs inside. It's second nature to me now of course. I sometimes watch and cringe as some people get in their cars, especially when they are a bit doddery. It's actually 'quicker and easier' to just sit bum and swing legs inside. Try it!
Dandarez and Archie thanks.
It's not inconceivable I have what a disc issue as I have noticed that when picking heavy stuff up it hurts my back more than it ever did (I do follow proper technique etc). I put it down to getting old.
I'm going to try my cushion and if that fixes it then happy days, if not then I'll see the Dr. for the leg lift test you mention and see what she says. I really don't like to bother Drs. though so will exhaust my ideas to tinker with my car seat/driving position first.
Thanks for your thoughts.
It's not inconceivable I have what a disc issue as I have noticed that when picking heavy stuff up it hurts my back more than it ever did (I do follow proper technique etc). I put it down to getting old.
I'm going to try my cushion and if that fixes it then happy days, if not then I'll see the Dr. for the leg lift test you mention and see what she says. I really don't like to bother Drs. though so will exhaust my ideas to tinker with my car seat/driving position first.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Scarletpimpofnel said:
Until my 50's I could drive 6 hours with no real issue. But now in my 50s I find after an hour I get discomfort all along the underside of my right thigh. It's a low level pain/severe discomfort which has me shifting around to take the weight off my leg.
I am assuming this is the sciatic nerve getting compressed, does that sound correct?
I have tried shifting weight around and every conceivable position of my seat (ten way adjustment) but can't find a position that helps other than a few minutes.
So I have bought a 8 degree wedge cushion for the car which should provide more padding beneath my legs but that has not come as yet.
Anyone else get this discomfort and agree with my diagnosis and solution? Any better ideas? Thanks.
You need to switch from a car to a motorcycle or bicycle.I am assuming this is the sciatic nerve getting compressed, does that sound correct?
I have tried shifting weight around and every conceivable position of my seat (ten way adjustment) but can't find a position that helps other than a few minutes.
So I have bought a 8 degree wedge cushion for the car which should provide more padding beneath my legs but that has not come as yet.
Anyone else get this discomfort and agree with my diagnosis and solution? Any better ideas? Thanks.
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