How to Relieve Pain in the Butt & Leg While Driving

Does the thought of sitting in your car and taking a drive stress you out? Long car rides (especially in the driver's seat) cause you to have back, butt and/or sciatica pain (shooting, burning, numbness, tingling down your leg)? Driving with sciatica can feel like a nightmare... but it doesn't have to be. In this video, I step you through a basic flowchart to discuss A TON of options for simple ways you can improve the driving experience instantly! From how to best prepare/plan for a long drive... to how to actually move your body as medicine before/during/after the drive... to tips on how you physically get in and out of the car to reduce pain... to how you can change the seat position and/or surface to ease sciatic nerve pain. Learn to move and feel better without the use of medication, injections, or surgery. A few simple modifications can go a long way to improve your tolerance for driving.
#drcharliejohnsonpt #sciatica #backpain #painreliefwhiledriving
--
FREE DOWNLOAD 👉 "Better Than An MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide" - www.drcharliej...
FREE FACEBOOK GROUP 👉 The DIY Diagnostic Network - urlgeni.us/fac...
FREE WORKSHOP 👉 Beat Butt Pain: The 4 Simple Secrets That Skyrocket Your Chances For Relief And Unlock Natural Healing Without Pills, Shots, Surgery, Or Needing Others To “Fix You” - www.drcharliejo...
APPLY TO WORK WITH ME ☎️ www.drcharliejo...
Say Hello:
EMAIL 👉[e-mail]
FACEBOOK 👉 / physical-therapy-johns...
INSTAGRAM 👉 / drcharliejohnsonpt
*Does your pain have you feeling trapped, alone, hopeless and on an emotional rollercoaster? It's not your fault and it's totally normal. In fact, many people I work with feel this way. You can visit www.curable.com/charliejohnsondpt to start a free 6 week trial of the CURABLE App. And yes, this is an affiliate link... but it's one I truly believe in and stand behind and have seen it help so many first hand.
*Affiliate Disclaimer:
Note affiliate links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video or other helpful resources and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
-
• How to Relieve Pain in...

[@drcharliejohnson]

Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, or leg/sciatica pain without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide

[@brockreynolds870]

IMO.... the biggest reason people are in the "C" position when driving is because of the modern bucket seat. I drive a 23 year old truck, and cannot deal with driving a newer car, because of the horrible position these seats put your back in. I grew up with nice, uphollstered BENCH seats with springs in them that supported your body. Go sit ina 40 year old Buick or Caddillac sometime and feel the relief immediately.

[@mikearchibald744]

In opposition to that, I was talking to a doctor who said that much of the pain that many people experienced was BECAUSE of the plush seats. He was saying that he never saw these problems in people with foreign cars because they had the rigid supporting seats. However, AFTER being injured I see what you mean, I have an old Ford truck and I sat in the seat and leaned it back and I almost slept there it felt so comfortable.

[@daniellewilson4778]

I have stenosis in my foramina at C7, which was finally relieved with lots of PT and a cortisone injection. Driving my car for 30 minutes would make it start to come back because the head rest pushes my head forward into the exact position I’m supposed to avoid! After trying everything we could think of to adjust the seat, adding in different supports, cushions etc, my husband and I came to the conclusion that I just needed to see if I could find a new car, especially since I took a new job and my commute would be lengthened. Until I found my new car, I drove his 20 year old pickup with bench seats because it didn’t hurt as quickly as my old car. I finally found a new car that had an adjustable headrest that felt soooo good. But now I have sciatica, so I’m on the quest to figure out how to make this car work because driving is awful, and those 45 minute commutes are torture.

[@jokesyfuntime4898]

These are great tips! Didn't see it in the video but I found that doing a combination of a leg curl and hip thrust while driving completely eliminates my pain. I just dig my heels into floor, curl my legs, and arch my back. Activates everything and pain goes away.

[@drcharliejohnson]

That's awesome! Love it. Good work - thanks for sharing.

[@rassouldia]

Can we please see a video ?

[@evemacintosh64]

Thank you for this. I was in pain just now while standing and I followed your advice on what to do before getting in the car and the pain went away. You are a blessing👏❤️

[@drcharliejohnson]

Awesome Eve! let me know if ya get stuck or need more help.

[@gbarassi]

My mistake was to drive with my wallet on my back pocket...

[@michelebarnes4059]

Thank you, I am going on a trip soon. So glad I found you podcast. Really appreciate you valuable information. MOVEMENT IS YOUR MEDICINE !!!

[@drcharliejohnson]

thanks for listening Michele! Let me know if ya need help!

[@drcharliejohnson]

Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain using simple self movement tests & a step-by-step approach without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide

[@sujankumar7186]

Thanks for the Vid!! But here is the thing what about delivery drivers they have to drive on a daily basis? Any suggestions?

[@sujankumar7186]

Especially in a bike driving scenario for like 8 to 10 hours a day everyday...

[@slundgr]

I'm starting a long road trip in the next day or so, and I will give these a try. Thanks.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Awesome steve! Which tips do you think will be most valuable?

[@slundgr]

@@drcharliejohnson I tried seat and body positioning and folded a hand towel to put under my hip. 👍

[@hair2fab]

I super hard foam nerf 4" ball has helped calm my piriformis and nerve pain while driving. I just sit it in the shallow of my butt and within a few minutes relief, otherwise im dead by 5 min in. Fingers crossed the exercises help heal this muscle. Thankful i found these videos after giving up on stretches because they caused more pain after weeks of doing them.

[@mikearchibald744]

Whew, driving two hours would be me in hell. Ironically when I get up a few times during the night, leg is better in the morning. Last night slept soundly for seven hours, but major hurt in the AM. I didn't have time to do much exercising, and couldn't even drive ten minutes. Wish I had found this earlier, but still don't think any of these would 'stop' the pain, but at least make them manageable. At the end of the day when i've been moving then I can manage but driving is the major bane of my existence. My car doesn't have cruise control and when my wife drove she even said the gas pedal was weird in that you almost had to hold your leg off it because it was so sensitive. Until I found the video on pinched nerve I actually thought that just driving that gas pedal for years had maybe pinched a nerve, but that didn't match the tests. I'm looking into a cruise control add on, but broke the trip up into five minute sections and could manage. I find with all the exercises I can sit on stools for a duration, but that car seat or armchair posture is still out of reach.

[@katherinep.4823]

Lizzy the lizard! 😂 Love it. Hey whatever works! Another awesome video Dr. Charlie. Thank you for sharing. Very insightful.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Kat! Thanks for watching- Lizzy was conveniently sitting in the passenger seat- couldn't resist!

[@katherinep.4823]

@@drcharliejohnson Lizzy took one for the team! 🦎 😂

[@drcharliejohnson]

@@katherinep.4823 😂😂

[@birgitraya4909]

I have bilateral sciatica and driving is very painful. My car has bucket seats,which i hate. I sit on 2 blankets ,move the seat forward enough and also use a icepack behind my back. A rolled up towel also helps support your back.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! Sounds like you're doing some good detective work. Let me know if ya get stuck and need more help. I'd be happy to review your case personally if you're interested.

[@G_0_0_Zroot]

My biggest problem is, my glutes have gotten used to getting in the car(right leg 1st, cus drivers side). . and. also. . using right leg/right side, for peddles. So now my sides (RightSide/LeftSide) are lopsided. Like, the whole right half of my body is stronger & moves different, than the left half. I literally think its all because of how ive got in the car for years...

[@fatmaelzahraael-zahraa2224]

Gave me lots of ideas, thanks!

[@muckadeezy]

Have nerve pain down my right side. So I lean on right forearm and elbow to alleviate some pressure on that side. Then I keep my right leg bent closer because extending it triggers the pain, and use my left leg for gas and brake.

[@mikearchibald744]

I tried that but in a compact using the left leg just won't work the gas very well.

[@DonaldGaron]

Great video Charlie !

[@lawandabritt3303]

My issue is riding as passenger in sprinter RV. I think it’s the height of the seats

[@user-zq7pj2gf5f]

I bought a nice cushy foot rest for our sprinter van and it helps somewhat . Also an angled seat cushion to make the seat a bit more flat . Both helpful but not perfect.

[@Namaste-op3vi]

Fabulous advice. Thank you 😊.

[@kayge3272]

When you're sitting in the driver's seat what do you mean by open position

[@Jay88]

mine hurts to sit on it so getting in and out, especially applying weight to my right cheek causes severe pain.

[@Kpisrpm1]

I'm having that problem now

[@annabellenyren1958]

thx for this, i already do some of those but found the idea of moving for quite some time before getting out esp useful, some cars def worse than others, my mum´s Honda Jazz is the worst! (for me)

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

These are all things I natural tried because of years of pain. How is these not found by ppl just trying to avoid pain? Do you know the legalities of leaning? I also stand diagonally when needed, like right turns. Is that illegal? I lean way right too. I worry about getting a ticket because I also have my seatbelt set so it doesn't pull on me. It's pretty loose. I have no choice. I deliver food for a "living." Many doordash and ubereats drivers are injured. Please keep this in mind when deciding your tip (bid)

[@drblitz3092]

Solution-choose any of those at home 20 minute core workouts on KZbin

[@drcharliejohnson]

Sure, that's an option... but why would strengthening your core help reduce pain when no strength of your core is required (while driving)?

[@drblitz3092]

@@drcharliejohnsonidk why it helps. Maybe the movements of certain core excercises realign my body. All I know, it seems to work every time

[@escopetamartinez]

❤awesome

[@clintgroom8213]

i just hook up my tens unit for long drives. i have to.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Clint! Thanks for watching. Yeah this stuff is not fun. I know you commented under one of my other videos and were possibly interested in me reviewing your case to see if I could even help. Visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and select a time to chat- then follow instructions to submit your case for review 👍 Hang in there!

[@cindyoverall8139]

How to sit in the car to take pressure off of rear bones

[@shanejones5885]

I'm very flexible but after 4 or 6 hours my sciatic acts up. Thoughts? I assure you it's not mobility. I can put head to knees standing up and almost do splits.

[@drcharliejohnson]

After 4-6 hours of driving it flares up?!

[@shanejones5885]

@@drcharliejohnson yes. We take a trip to AR every year and some hours in it starts radiating down my leg

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

Does anybody know of a child/teen size coccyx cushion? Memory foam.

[@newblakestone]

Can I ask a specific question. I’m trying to find a new car. The Corolla seats were horrible and now I’m scared. Idk why they hurt. I would get pain in the middle of my right butt cheek. The pain is almost non existent in my Hyundai, so what gives? Is it the seat causing me to sink in? Is it scrunching up my legs too much. Ir feels like a bone in my butt

[@maplenook]

How about putting left leg up on the dash? 😅

[@drcharliejohnson]

Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

[@Daniela-Christianson]

Thank you Dr Johnson! Any extra tips for a long haul truck driver who can't get out as often or move his seat as easily?

[@godslittleman5451]

I’m trying to drive myself again after a nine year break. My hamstring just burns constantly sometimes. I tried ice and it helps a little. There’s a seat cushion vibrator that works off a cigarette lighter that I may purchase. After driving for 30 hours last week, my hamstring is still soar 4 days later.

[@christine9467]

Omg that is me when driving for a long time.

[@brendahutton6124]

I don't ever want to go on another road trip hurt so bad I could cry I have trouble getting out of the vehicle not sure why it hurts so bad My ass or whatever it is any time my body would move when driving it hurt so bad I still have pain and can't sit down

[@drcharliejohnson]

Oh no brenda! Sorry to hear. What are you doing for treatment? Are you open to some help?

[@brendahutton6124]

@@drcharliejohnson yes this has just started yesterday I drove 6 hours I had to stop a bunch of times I've never hurt this bad honestly having a child didn't even hurt this bad i can't set down even laying in my bed caused some pain I guess from driving 2 days straight

[@brendahutton6124]

Trying to figure out if I could get some kind of cushion for my car 😪

[@drcharliejohnson]

@@brendahutton6124 may help! Worth a try. No pressure- but if you're interested in my help- feel free to apply and set up a time to chat. www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Sound good?

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

Can movement be medicine if you have mast cell activation syndrome and physical exercise agrivates it?

[@cinmac3]

Motion is lotion for the body !!!

[@somrai2746]

Lizzy is violated.

[@Jamedia66]

I’m a truck driver, yet cannot afford to stop driving anytime soon. I have SEVERE sciatica right leg pain, piriformis, and low back bulging disks. My driving pedal leg(right leg) goes into such pain that it feels like it seriously needs to be amputated most of the time, and can barely walk for hours subsequently following driving. I often use tennis and lacrosse balls to shove into the painful areas and along the tight side of my back and hip. I’ve always been a really athletic person and I stretch and exercise regularly when I can. This butt, hip and leg pain is so severe at this point, I just don’t know what else to do.

[@DiegoRodriguez-po9ey]

I feel the same .. I have 8 months struggling with this! I highly recommend you to go a pain management specialist. To get a cortisone injections.. I don’t fell like 100% percent but helped to get relive in some 80 percent.. I got a big improvement.. I’ve tried everything stretches , chiropractor. Physical therapy.. and nothing work .. but the injections