Driving comfort

[baccalynnwv]

Driving is my nemisis. I have to drive an hour to work and back each day, plus several hours each day during work. (Social work type job)
I have to sit my seat straight up and rest/support my head on the backrest while I drive because I just can't hold my head up that long. Isn't that rediculous? It hurts so bad and causes horrible headaches each and every day.  Plus, having to look around while I drive....the stopping and speeding up. ughh..I swear even a gradual speed up from a stop light feels like it gives me whip lash. Lol.
So I'm just wondering if you all have any tips or tricks to feel better while driving.

[Elisaandbucky]

I just wish to point out, happily, how we can help each other here. I am discovering things every time I visit the forum. keep reading about the different coping strategies that are mentioned in others' posts:

1. Like harboy states that placing your hands lower on the steering wheel can help ease the neck pain

2. Like Selma's idea of slightly reclining the seat (after pulling the seat all the way up) and using a neck pillow to prevent your head from bobbing

3. Like frankie_rush mentioning how he got his mirrors adjusted and even uses a back up mirror to make him feel safer backing up

4. And, like yourself mentioning that you can use music and deep breathing exercises to ease your pain

And I can identify with your fear of giving a name to something you'd rather not have to define. You are not alone.

[frankie_rush]

I am in the same boat as you driving to work.  I have a cheating issue, got steel rods to help me hold my head up.  Like Selma and harboy said try a pillow that they use when flying or a soft neck brace.  I have my mirrors adjusted to where I can see and even use a backup mirror.  Makes things a lot easier.  It takes a little getting use to using your mirrors a lot but it is worth it.

[selmaS]

  Cindy, I was mis-DX'd with fibro...my Chiari Drs told me it  was not fibro but the EDS that was causing a similar tender point pains....

I know it is frustrating to get a DX and the right answers, but you may want, once you find a Chiari specialist for your DD to have them check you as well.....

The thing is if it is Chiari you can help them by sharing what you are going thru....

Just do not forget to take care of yourself too.

[harboy]

No I have not been tested.  About 7 years ago I became worse. Went to neuro, was diagnosed with MS. Then something else. I threw my hands up and stopped go and went back to rheumatologist and stayed with fibro. I have been on a physical downward spiral for about 3 years and each specialist I go to says its either nothing or my fibro.  At the moment it doesn't matter what I do or don't have, I have to pull myself together for my daughter and granddaughter.  I did ask myself about the symptoms and put them on the backburner.
Thank you for asking Selma,
Warm wishes,
Cindy

[selmaS]

  Cindy were you tested for Chiari? Or EDS? Since your DD has it, she got it from someone...and you mentioned fibro, it is often misDX'd  instead of EDS....and with the neck pain, I would encourage you to have a MRI and rule it out.

  @bsccalynnwv - For now I am dealing with everything, I do have flares from time to time, but I will put off surgery until I can not longer hold it off....my DD's wedding, and Insurance issues were part of the reasons to wait...now, I figured I waited this long...lol...all in due time.

[harboy]

Hi my name is Cindy. I do not have Chiari. My daughter does.  I do have severe neck problems and fibromyalgia.  Driving puts me in a flare up.  I try to drive holding the steering wheel at the bottom.  Something to do with lifting the arms for that long of a time puts pressure in the neck. I use a c shaped travel pillow. I recline my seat back one notch and actually pull my seat closer to the steering wheel. I make sure I am in a comfortable position and feel safe before I drive away from anywhere. Music helps me cope with pain. If one station isn't working I change to another. When I have to turn my head a lot to look for house numbers or to back up and look behind me it hurts. As soon as I am done finding my destination, I stop and literally take a breather. I try to relax for a moment, do some deep breathing exercises and my body responds.  My mood affects my body so much.  When I am falling into a painful rut during difficult work days, I give myself an attitude adjustment. What ever it takes. Hope something I wrote helps you. Cindy

[baccalynnwv]

Ok. Pheeww.
Well . Selma, I sure hope you can get every thing done that you need done.  You seem to be able to sound very positive and helpful for everyone on here. I hope you can maintain that within your every day life.  :)
I'm still at the stages of just trying to figure out if Chiari is what is actually causing my symptoms and I'm already fighting not to surrender to the helpless feelings.  Lol its kind of like, if I give it a name it really exists!

[selmaS]

  No....I have other issues and was told I would need more surgery for them and have yet to go in for more for several reasons....but  it is not bcuz of my Chiari or surgery.

[baccalynnwv]

Is that normal? To not be able to drive after your operation? Return to work?

[selmaS]

  Try either a soft neck brace or a neck pillow to help stabilize your neck...that is the weak spot.....

Post op I no longer drive......but to ride I use to use a pillow and recline the passenger seat....with the pillow I was still sitting upright, but again this was done to help keep my head from bobbling around....

Not sure I could drive around like you are....