Need advice for dealing with pain when driving

mollymartin
mollymartin Member Posts: 7
edited 2. Sep 2025, 18:47 in Living with arthritis

Hi, I am Molly I am 20 and I have RA in my hips (right is technically worse than left)

I am a new driver (passed in may, but only got my motablity car last friday)

I am driving an automatic which has definitely helped out a lot with driving, I have driven more than I ever thought I could, however, the pain is still very noticeable and stopping me from driving the longer distances I need.

Does anyone have any tips, items or advice I could use to help reduce the pain I feel when I am driving? Anything is helpful.

Many thanks to anyone who can help

Tagged:

Comments

  • Naomi33
    Naomi33 Moderator Posts: 599

    Morning @mollymartin

    Sorry to hear concerns about driving.

    I find the position of my seat upright and cushion helps.

    Regular breaks to stretch out and move stiff areas essential for me.

    I have persisted with manual due to finance and stubborness.

    Just going to automatic so hopefully my journeys will get further for me.

    Good luck and dont give up independence important.

    Best wishes @Naomi33

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 932

    hi @mollymartin

    I think you need to speak to your team regarding this. I have, and still have, multiple joints affected by OA, some I have had surgery on, some I am waiting for surgery on and to be honest, I had to stop driving because my pain was so bad and because my painkillers were making me sleepy.

    It may not be the answer you want but it is the wisest answer and it's better to be safe than sorry.

    Trish

  • mollymartin
    mollymartin Member Posts: 7

    @Naomi33 I took your advice and ordered a cushion and it has just arrived! So thank you very much, I will have to update you on if it helps x

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,546

    I have a wedge cushion too especially for driving. I was wondering @mollymartin whether any of your pain is due to not being used to driving as much as you do now you have your own car?

    Taking regular breaks can help getting out and moving about for a while before resuming.

    I hope it doesn't persist.

    Toni x

Categories