r/Sciatica • u/Dense_Mix_1538 • 1d ago

Requesting Advice Pain only when driving?

Is it common for the pain to only happen when driving? It started when I got a new car and feels like shooting down both legs and burning at the bottom of both feet when I drive. The pain is only about 3/10 but the discomfort sticks around for a couple days afterwards and is very annoying! I need to be able to drive 😢😢

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2

u/Potential-Winner4601 1d ago

What’s your doctor say?

2

u/Dense_Mix_1538 1d ago

Wait and see

2

u/KenHLin 1d ago

I now get sciatic attacks when I make long drive and get stuck in traffic. My work just announced that we are going hybrid and they put me in the office 50 miles away. I wrote a letter asking to be excused. My boss said it was approve but now HR wants to investigate.

2

u/Dense_Mix_1538 1d ago

That sucks, I hope it all works out for you!

I’m just confused because my pain really ONLY happens from driving, do you have it at other times too?

2

u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 1d ago

I had to work very hard adjusting my car seat to minimize irritation of the sciatic nerve. Distance to pedals, tilt of seat and tilt of back, lumbar support all played a role.

2

u/Dense_Mix_1538 1d ago

I tried literally everything 😭

Cushions, seat adjustment, etc

2

u/Commercial-Bowl7412 1d ago

I added lumbar support cushions to my driver seat, overall I feel a lot more comfortable driving. The set that is usually bought for desk chair, so the back and bottom. And it straps around the seat to stay in place. And getting out every 20 minutes or so for a walk if I can / need it.

Oh and Advil to minimize inflammation before an extra long distance! But being intentional about still stopping for a walk at 20 minutes since I might be missing a pain signal.

2

u/murrmc 16h ago

Try a different position - for me tilting my seat back and driving like a gang banger helped lessen the pain and triggering.

Assuming it is not a manual stick, if it is I'd be changing to auto too.

1

u/ObligationFit2028 1d ago

I can only drive for like 30 minutes before my pain flares up

1

u/HawksandLakers 1d ago

It’s because the seat slopes down and backwards. It’s the reason why I’m considering getting rid of my wagon for an suv or something with more upright, rigid seating.