Neck/upper back pain when driving

The first thing is why is your trainer sleeping not training. Resting your neck and back properly can be the best way. Try rolling up a towel to brace your lower back and that will help your posture which may help the other issues. I do it because I broke my neck and I have sciatic nerve problems in my lower back and legs.

 

Once you're on your own you'll adjust to this new career of driving and it won't bother you. I think it's due to stress and not a long term problem.

 

I am going to say it might also be due to an old worn out mattress in the truck your trying to sleep on. If your sleeping in the top bunk with only a thin 3 inch mattress that's been in the truck now for years and other trainees, its almost basically the same as sleeping on a flat sheet of metal, with no back or shoulder support at all.

And plus if your big or broad shouldered, and you sleep on your side at night. You got all that weight pressing down on that side of your body, which I know from my own experience, can cause shoulder pain.

just a suggestion,

 

If you are not using them and the truck has arm rests, start using them. It will help. There could be a lot of different factors causing the problem. Stress, not accustomed to driving long periods and your mattress have all been mentioned and are good places to look.

But when I think about what you describe, it reminds me of when I first started riding a motorcycle. I didn't realize the bike was not properly set up for me. I was reaching for the handle bars and leaning forward too much. Combined with wearing a helmet that I wasn't accustomed to. It caused me the same type of discomfort you're describing. I finally got the bike adjusted properly and got used to holding my arms outward for extended periods and the discomfort went away.

Hope you find the issue and all ends well.

 

ok gotcha agree with advice above also. I also upgraded the jailhouse mattresses they put in trucks

 

Sometimes adjusting the steering wheel position helps. Over the years, I have been in many many different trucks of all makes and models...each one took me a little time to adjust too and get everything just right. Then the shop would have to take it for something, and they futz it up.

And chinatown has a good point, as a trainee in a new career, you're more tense and stressed. Once you get done training and get out on your own, you will begin to relax as things become 2nd nature.

Until then, ibuprofen helps.

 

Unless money is the issue, why not get a memory foam mattress topper?. You can get them in various thickness's and they roll up easily enough so you can move it into your truck when you get it.