Why Haven't RVer's Talked About This Before?....Remedies

Do you have pain in your neck, back, shoulders or rear end while driving a motorhome or pulling any RV trailer? Well this year I have for the first time and today I’m going to share with you the techniques and equipment I used that fixed this problem.
NOTE:
Ever since I made these seating adjustments and use my TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator that I showed you when I drive, I experience no pain in my back shoulder blade area. When I’m sitting editing videos at my desk, I also use the TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator because that area of my body is also prone to hunch over while sitting at my desk. It’s amazing how it keeps all these muscles from tensing up.
The two non-prescription TENS Muscle Stimulator units I put in my Amazon store are in the “Misc. Goodies” category.
If you have aches and pains, driving your motorhome or have a truck and pull a trailer of any kind this video could be helpful to you.
I’m going to share 2 problems I had and found a cure:
1) Late last year-while driving our motorhome-I was experiencing a sharp pain in the left side of my neck and the pain would shoot down my shoulder, down here to my elbow. It made driving really uncomfortable to say the least.
After researching this I realized this was a pinched nerve. After several unsuccessful attempts to help or manage this pain with heat, creams, meds, stretching and so forth I decided to change to the way I sleep.
2) But this year a different excruciating pain began to develop when driving. It was a concentrated, knot type of pain on the right side just outside my shoulder blade.
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DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.

[@curtissherrill5310]

4 years in full time RVing i thought i was going to have to quit thanks for the information

[@gereshomeE]

My legs keep jolting and sometimes when I am standing I drop to the floor! I walk now with two sticks. In bed, my legs are constantly jolting. Your videos are REALLY helpful, THANK YOU! ☺

[@seabliss22]

I love my Tens machine. I think you need to buy Joanie a new pillow 🙂 Good video. Thanks for the information.

[@RVstreet]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@norme2681]

Martin, I have learned staying hydrated helps with alot of aches and pains. I noticed I wasn't drinking as much water on travel days, soon as I added more water my aches went away.

[@HumilityisHumble]

I had the same pain in the same PLACE brother. I always thought it was back pain, it was not. I had c6 stenosis and herniated disc. Basically something pinching my nerve on my C6 spine causing knots in that area you describe. I tried everything just like you tennis balls, cb, massages, heating pads, pain pills, creams, everything. Finally while traveling in Florida we met a Chiro who told me After he X-rayed my neck I need major help. So I got a MRI and they found the real problem. I had surgery to remove the stenosis and herniating C6 spine. They installed the “Stryker” device. Today no pain; but let me tell me you man please get a MRI they will tell you exactly which part of your spine is damaged. That is the source of your pain and nothing else. Don’t trust what other people tell you like they did to me. You have damaged spine. Also my fiancé says to mention that I did have pain in my neck, my shoulder and down my arm at times. Good luck I hope this helps you, you have helped me a lot in your videos.

[@KenCassorla]

Hi Martin, as always, another great video...as a fellow RVer, and a practicing chiropractor for over 40 years, you are talking my language regarding the pains you are experiencing. Everything you said made good sense. Here's a few more thoughts, assuming that you are over 25 years old, gravity, trauma and age are having an unstoppable wear and tear effect on all your joints. The pain in your neck is most likely, as you pointed out, a pinched nerve caused by thinning discs at the base of your neck, as well as the effect of your first rib elevating and compressing your lower neck nerves under your collar bone. Keeping your arms elevated, like you do when you sleep, as well as frequent driving, only aggravates the problem. One solution is to train yourself to sleep on your back, with a cylindrical neck pillow (a firm travel pillow works well) to maintain your neck curve. For your lower back issues, same deal...wear and tear on your lower back and pelvic joints. Try sitting on a sitting wedge, rather than Joanie's pillow. Being thicker at the rear, it will automatically tip your pelvis up and forward, deepening your lower back curve, and reducing disc and nerve pressure Another item you might try is a simple neck traction unit to decompress your neck discs and relieve nerve pressure. Amazon and E Bay sell inexpensive inflatable traction units, as well as sitting wedges. Of course, I couldn't end this post without a plug for you to find a good chiropractor who can help you with all these issues. On a slightly different topic...I noticed the little fan mounted on the ceiling to your right. Can you tell me the make, model, source..and whether you would recommend this unit? Thanks much

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Ken for that advice. I've tried to train to sleep on my back. Impossible. I do however have a neck traction unit that I also got from the VA. Concerning the fan, there's actually two of them. They came that way from the factory with a switch on the dash. They are defrosting fans to aid in cold weather if the dash heat is on. I've never used them and there's no identifying info on them.

[@jimmymcclosky3786]

I also use a Tens Device, that the VA issued to me for my back, and man does this device work wonders on my back in the areas that are hurting. With the Tens Device, stretching daily, and working low weights on the upper body helps with the discomfort areas. Yes, I know this is what I do but it might help someone else that’s having similar problems. Thank You for all of your great information as usual.

[@melissawoelkers]

I use the "purple royal" seat cushion and it definitely helps my back!

[@RVstreet]

Ever since I made these seating adjustments and use my TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator that I showed you when I drive, I experience no pain in my back shoulder blade area. When I’m sitting editing videos at my desk, I also use the TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator because that area of my body is also prone to hunch over while sitting at my desk. It’s amazing how it keeps all these muscles from tensing up and relaxed. The two non-prescription TENS Muscle Stimulator units I put in my Amazon store are in the “Misc. Goodies” category if you’re interested. I also totally forgot to mention in the video that I bought a Handheld Deep Tissue Massager Gun. Nice and compact and WOW....I mean, it really does help a lot. I also forgot to add it to my Amazon Store but just did in the "Misc. Goodies" category. BIG help. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@joseconcepcion3159]

You guys make such good videos, your natural and real. Thanks Enjoyed to hear your analysis

[@weweresnowedin5801]

Hi Martin and Joanie. We are relatively new subscribers. Totally enjoying your videos. We've been rving for a lot of years, but have learned a lot. Keep your videos coming.

[@bobmaynard3050]

I’ve enjoyed many of your videos, but this one really hit home. I’ve gone down a similar painful path as yours, and what works for me are stretching exercises to stop the ‘chin forward’ body mechanics. Doing chin tucks can help relieve both the shoulder pain and the pain /knotting occurring along your spine. As you have found out, so much upper back pain originates and travels down from the neck area. I highly recommend looking into the chin tuck type exercises. Thanks for all the videos!

[@EightPaws_N_TwoFeet]

Aloha. Thank you so much for producing your videos. Your style of instruction is easy to follow and understand. I have done the general maintenance needed on my Onan 5500 generator without spending a ton of money. You have been very instrumental in instilling the confidence I need to tackle other projects on my own. Because of a military service injury, I constantly struggle with the same shoulder and back issues every day. I use a muscle massager that works out the knotts just like your tennis ball, I do what I call Butterfly stretches using the doorway to stretch my shoulders. I have a deep muscle TENS called an H-Wave that works wonders, and I thought I was the only one who used a back rest and pillows for support. 😉 thank you for sharing 😊

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I had a bad stabbing sensation in neck. After i got rid of my ex, pain gone!

[@enz6312]

most pain is caused by inflammation and I've found it is best corrected with ICE (not heat) We travel with ice packs in our RV freezer for such purposes. Getting a sore back, neck or muscle knot, simply add an ice pack to the area which driving to reduce swelling/pain

[@tsslinger8233]

good info, I tend to to lean forward as well, my wife had a lot of lower back pain. started using a wedge cushion (ERGONOMIC innovations memory foam wedge ) from amazon, she always try's to have her legs straight, not leaning down in the back of the seat.. has had great results. now we can travel again and she has no lower back pain thanks for sharing you great video

[@Cabernet2000]

Btw, a core roller cut in half that works good and Jonie will get some rest. I use one on the floor to even out.

[@davidp.3220]

Another great helpful video. I use a wedge pillow and it really helps, but the important part is to get a wedge pillow that has a slot in the back, or hole, where your tail bone will go when you sit. This way when you sit or bounce there is no pressure going on that bone at all because you are elevated on the pillow/cushion while your tail bone goes in the opening. Perfect for sitting on hard picnic tables or bleachers. My butt and lower back stopped hurting with a firm foam pillow with the tail bone opening.

[@rpontonjr]

As a software engineer, that pain in the back between the shoulder blades is very common, and comes from having your head forward instead of above your shoulders. Very, very common in this age of laptops and smartphones, as people hunch forward to see small screens. KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE YOUR SHOULDERS. Your head is as heavy as a bowling ball, and supporting it hunched forward tires out those exact muscles between your shoulder blades. Once those muscles get tired from poor ergonomics, you get that pain in lots of other positions. RV driving also tends to encourage hunching forwards, as you want to get a little more visibility frequently. When we're younger, this kind of pain can heal quickly with some rest. As we get older, it takes longer and longer of good posture before the pain will subside. But do it. Focus on supporting your head above your shoulders when you're driving and when you're using your computer, smartphone, watching TV, eating, etc. You've got to give those muscles plenty of time to relax and recover. Also, be careful with extended armrest use. We have nerves close to the surface near our elbows. Armrests, even soft ones, will compress those nerves. After compressing those nerves for a long period of time, you can get tingling in the hands and eventually numbness. It takes a long time to heal.

[@timothyculliver1993]

Great job Martin, as we get older our body changes. An exercise program will help as well as going to a physical therapist. My physical therapist has done more for me than anything I’ve worked on over the last 40 years. They will show you how to buildup the correct muscles. Go luck! By the way do not ignore back pain, two years ago I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after having back pain for about six months. Get checked out by your doctor first if back pain persist.

[@ggebhard1]

Great video!!

[@hannahshepherd9073]

Great info ! Thanks for sharing, I am guilty of poor posture also !

[@americanrascal53]

Good info on your trials and tribulations and how you solved the mystery of back pain while driving! I think my co-pilot likes this info too for her side of the rig!

[@erindover6617]

THANK YOU!!! You know, I do all these things at home to manage my pain issues….but CLEARLY I needed your good sense to put together this ‘Ah-Ha’ solution for my driving pain. I think I’m going to not only be able to drive well over 3 hours in a day, I’m not going to have to spend my first day or two once I get to my destination recovering from the drive 🎉🎉

[@RVstreet]

You are so welcome!

[@THExxFIREMAN]

You gotta be kidding me? I just got my T.E.N.S. from the VA Friday. I am hoping this will help my lower back issue when I drive. 🤣

[@steverobinson1598]

Yup, I have those pain areas. My remedy is to drink about 5 or 6 cold beets before heading out. I'm so relaxed driving, no problemo. Lol, just kidding. Well I finally had a issue you been talking about for sometime now. I'm hooked to my water source with 50 psi coming in to the motorhome and not running the pump. My toilet flush valve stuck open in the running position. By taking it for granted, it overflowed maybe 5 gallons of luckily clean water. Major disaster avoided. Replaced the valve today. I had drained the black tank and ran around 3 gallons of water to treat with a new pod treatment that is working great so far, better than TST orange. Could been avoided by using the pump as a backup sound warning. But I wasn't away from the coach piddling around. I used your Amazon store to make my first $200 plus dollar purchase about a week ago. Hope it helps you guys out some. Two 2 packs of Tire Minder flow thru TPMS sensor for thr dolly and rear car tires. Always, Steve Robinson. Thanks for your tireless effort to make it better for all of us. I've told countless people of your site.

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Steve so much for supporting us. It all matters 🙏

[@erindover6617]

Thanks!

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Erin 🙏

[@cashman2403]

Totally have same pain under my shoulder blade. I had in a truck pulling a travel trailer, and still has it in gas class A Motorhome. I would put a empty pop bottle behind my back for relief. I just this you got a new super C on a Freightliner m2 106. It's a commercial chassis, with air seats. It has the air lumbar support as well. If pump the lumbar all the way out sit up straight I'm pain free for first time.

[@joeblow3939]

I was going to suggest that to you, but you beat me to it. Mine was from a prescription as well. I think I paid $70 for mine. They call it a 10's machine and you can get zapped if you try removing it well it is on. It doesn't take long before you are using full power. These things work for reliving pain in muscle and nerves. 👍👍

[@Cabernet2000]

Hi Martin, I use this same machine. I’m also exploring a new lumbar drivers captain chair. Mine is too soft. It also keeps me too low in the seat. My toes get numb when I drive 60 miles. Working on that.

[@enriquecolon8043]

Martin, I have been using your videos to pull PMCS on my motor home. Extremely helpful. Would you be able to do one on replacing the radiator coolant/anti-freeze on the F53 chassis? Thanks.

[@Ouhscpa]

Did you tint your coach yourself? Have you a video demonstrating? Thanks for being an educator, I have learned a lot .

[@RVstreet]

No I had it professionally done with 3M ceramic film. Plus I have outside shades when parked. I've shown these shades before in other videos.

[@marshaadams5501]

Hi Guys!!! I’m dealing with a pinched nerve right now! Glad I’m not driving!

[@RVstreet]

😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 I'm sorry. Not fun.

[@billangelo2190]

Hi Y'all, Believe I can use those tips on long drives to work, thanks. So what's Joanie's biggest pain on the road ? Guessing he's sitting in the driver seat, lol, Take Care, Safe Travels.

[@myuboat45]

We have a product called Dr.Ho,s in Canada. It's fabulous. Has large and small pads. .One for your feet that is a really good. .Been using them on my knees back neck. For years. Worth looking into . No I do not work for the company. .Just worked for me . At home and driving . Regards from Western Canada 🇨🇦

[@ournewseason]

Great advice...I have same pain below shoulder blade. I will try your advice (especially the tennis ball). PS...my wife said she has a "Pain in her Butt" however it isn’t associated with her back or sitting too long. I can't imagine what she is talking about! Hmmm....?

[@RVstreet]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@autodiyfix7462]

Hi, Did you use car diagnostic tool? Any chance to work with you?

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

You need to get you a massage gun! They make a hammering motion and can only be used for a short time but thats all you need. Amazon

[@RVstreet]

Ya know, I'm really glad you reminded me of this. I actually did buy one about 4 months ago and totally forgot to mention this in the video. Nice and compact and WOW....I mean YES, it really does help a lot. I also forgot to add it to my Amazon Store but just did in the "Misc. Goodies" category. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@Doc_GME]

Where did you get your captain chairs?

[@RVstreet]

Came from the Factory

[@theodorehyatt1782]

I have air bag suspension so driving my DP is more comfortable than my Camry

[@mikeeggleston1769]

My goal is to not drive as far at a time.

[@Ocean_breezes]

Driving a large motor home on an interstate highway is neither enjoyable or relaxing It's extremely stressful. And it a rainstorm, your basically blind. Your mirrors are wet and the rear camera is fogged How people find this pleasurable is beyond me. I'm not critical of other RVers, just being honest. I parked mine on my riverfront lot and that's where it's staying. I use it on weekends for a getaway. I'm less stressed out and enjoy it more.

[@RVstreet]

I do appreciate you taking the time to comment. Just a FYI...I know you're not being critical of others and I'm not trying to change your POV, but I find driving our Class A very enjoyable, stress free and have for years. We are full timers if you didn't know. This pain is something that just popped up this year. But turns out it was my posture. As far as driving in the rain or bad weather, folks that follow my channel know I don't do that for many reasons. I've covered that in other videos. Another small point, I use RaineX on my windshield, mirrors and rear camera that keeps them clear of water so my view is unobstructed. But I've done other things too that keeps traveling stress free. I've done a video on just that specific subject if you're interested to what what we do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppaoe4mkr5t3obc

[@kathystevetrooperblanck609]

My wife and I have been driving a RV for 6 years with no pain. Perhaps you should let your wife drive once in a while! We usually drive 5 hours max less if possible. That is 3 hours for me and 2 hours for her, sometimes 2.5 each. How long are you and your wife driving. We have met idiots where the man drives 5 or 6 hours and the woman does Breakfast and Dinner.

[@RVstreet]

Our drive drive time about the same or less.