Hi all...I just started driving in April and the muscles in my right calf and left shoulder blade and left back side of my neck are very sore. I've tried getting more comfortable in the seat by streching while I drive (when I'm stopped and in the cab), stretch out some before I go, when I stop and get out I stretch out. But, I'm @ a loss to cure this problem. I'm 5'8" and 165 lbs. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Well those are muscles that sit still and can become stiff, but it sounds like you are meaning they are painful. It's possible you could have arthritis issues that are showing up now that you are doing a "repetitive" sedentary behavior. Age means nothing when it comes to arthritis. It's also possible you could have an under reported (by men) condition called Fibromyalgia. Historically it has been a condition mostly applied to women. Men don't tend to report what they perceive as mild muscle pain, etc. regardless the level of pain. It is a chronic condition that can be managed with regular stretching, massage, chiropractic, hot showers/baths, etc. Unfortunately it can also be treated by new medications, but if you take them, you won't be driving. Presently, only Rheumatologists can properly diagnose the disease, although other physicians are increasingly being trained out of Med school to diagnose it. One of the hallmarks of the disease is painful muscles that aren't moving, referred pain (emanates from somewhere other than where you feel it)....hence the stretching massage etc. helps...which is why I've suggested this for you. There are other reasons besides just this, it could be a more insidious disease of the musculoskeletal system, so best to ask/report this condition to your physician and get it properly diagnosed before long. Welcome to trucking. Learn to take care of your body with these new conditions, you're going to need it. Good Luck
give your body more time. if you are older (over 40) pains will not be new to you. as you age in this business, they may get worse. never jump off the back of a trailer, never jump down onto the ground from your cab, this is what the steps are for, never run up and into your cab, use the steps and take it easy. if you have to load/unload your trailer..?? Wear a back support belt, and be sure to bend your knees and lift with your legs. when sleeping in your truck, maybe elevate your legs a bit, and do not use a pillow to support your head. finally, invest in some stock for Tylenol, and Aleve. your future will be requiring you to buy large amounts of these pain killers.
I had pain and tightness in the left shoulder area when I was driving OTR and it helped me some to stop using the left arm rest for a while. I also lowered the steering wheel just a bit and that seemed to help some.
Thanks for the info! Yup, over 40...I'm 53. No, I don't jump off the trailer, I always use the steps to get in & out of the cab. I don't have to load the trailer but i do have to unload it and I already have a bottle of bayer aspirin.
Thanks! I don't use the left arm rest at all...maybe I should try to use it??? I'll have to try and use it and see what happens.
A lot has to do with the truck you're driving. I always hurt more in Volvo's than I do in a Cascadia or ProStar. In my new Volvo it is a certain spot in the middle of my back on the right side, and my right shoulder. In my last Volvo it was a spot in my lower left back. In the Cascadia and ProStar I had very few chronic aches.
Stick with water. A Dr. told me once, drink water not Gatorade, to get hydrated. The salt in Gatorade will actually dehydrate you. Salt defeats the purpose.
