Shoulder / Neck Tightness

A slightly off-topic note. The DOT has recently determined the better position is 9 and 3. This holds true for trucks and cars. I don't have the links to cite all of the sources but it comes from several long-term studies by the DOT agencies and various colleges.

 

Honestly, Alot of soreness I have found is related to the seat in your truck. Ended up getting a good seat and now I feel fine getting out of the truck. I know that prob is not much of a option for company drivers but there are some addons that help.

 

4 wheelers have discovered that using there leg frees up both hands for texting and driving.

 

Right, we've probably heard that already. Most of us here, anyway. Question: "better" for whom, precisely? Safety, response to events, or driver posture? I don't believe the FMCSA has my best interests in mind when they make these positions known.

I tried the 9-3, 10-2, but reverted to the 4-6 again. I am so ashamed. Please don't inform the FMCSA concerning my abject failure. If an FMCSA narc is reading this, I'm sorry.

 

If you can post a video clip of a professional race car driver using the 4 and 6 I'll consider switching.

 

Geez, I guess I'm doing it all wrong. I've been driving it like it was a semi truck. I'll look for those photos. They'll be the ones that show both of my hands on the wheel, arms supported by both armrests, 90 degree bend, at the 4-6 positions. Cruising down the road, all ergonomic.

 

certainly posture has its points but I think it starts with what and where one sleeps and lack of exercise. design of a seat also has its role. seats don't come across to me as one size fits all

 

I'm sure I'll catch it from everyone who knows better, but I've only rarely used two hands on the wheel. Most trucks don't offer the legroom needed to be close enough to the wheel to get a comfortable 10 and 2, and one hand gives far better feel with the overboosted power steering in trucks, anyways. Left hand, with elbow on a rest, guiding with lower arm motion. It also gives you a fatigue guide (i.e., time for a break,) when your fine motor control starts to go away from the fatigue, you'll notice it quite rapidly, whereas using the gross motor control of your shoulder masks that loss.

Now hustling through a canyon or on a winding mountain road, two hands rule. It allows you to always have one of your hands on the wheel in the more natural part of the arc while the other moves to prepare for the next corner. But only one is doing the fine steering control at any given time.

To the OP: Pain in that part of the body is also a sign of tension. Make sure you are guiding the truck by feel, and not steering by location. Relax, and encourage the truck to go where you want it to, and don't 'drive' it where you want it to be.

 

Could be you just need to get adjusted to driving.every so often stop take a brk. There are things at Walmart that. May help. I used a neck pillow .that supports your neck while sleeping.I would raise your seat a little maybe buy a seat cushion.for me the seat was always uncomfortable no matter what. Trk I was in.

 

Been driving through some high winds?
My shoulders can get tight after a few hours of fighting gusty conditions.