Can’t sit in drivers seat for extended periods without aching.

This isn’t WebMD, but I’m posting this to ask if this has happened to anyone else, and more importantly, did they recover??

I’ve gotten to where when I’ve been sitting for only about an hour, my buttocks and lower back start to ache. Getting out to stretch will provide temporary relief, but in around 20 minutes or so I start to ache again. I’m thinking what may have caused this is driving and sitting on an old, hardened seat in which the padding and cushioning was worn. They’ve since replaced the seat, and I also invested in a $170 purple cushion. Both those things have helped, but it seems like it’s only getting worse despite it. I’m not to the point of not being able to drive YET, but it’s going to come to that point if this continues. Even driving my personal vehicle or sitting on the sofa at home; about 20-30 minutes and I have to get up.

Looking up the symptoms, I don’t think it’s Sciatica, as it’s not a burning sensation and there’s no tingling or numbness. Also when I get up my lower back is still a bit sore and stiff but otherwise I’m fine. Has anyone had this problem and if so, what was the diagnosis?

 

Have your kidneys checked.
Back ache while driving can be caused by kidney issues, particularly if the pain is located in the flank area, just below the rib cage. Kidney-related back pain is often described as a dull, aching sensation that may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or nausea.
kidneyaid.org+1

Key characteristics of kidney-related back pain include:

• Location: Typically felt in the flank area, on either side of the spine.
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• Pain Characteristics: Often dull and aching, or sharp and intense, especially if related to kidney stones or infections.
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• Associated Symptoms: May include fever, chills, and nausea, particularly in cases of kidney infections.
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  If you experience persistent back pain while driving, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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  4 Sources

 

I've had the same problem for years. I always just assumed it's because I am so tall. When I was in a daycab at my last job, I talked the boss into buying me a slightly larger aftermarket seat, that helped a little.

Now I am in a truck with a sleeper and more leg room, so it's much better. But still am only good for a couple hours max in the seat. Good thing I'm paid by the hour!

 

Thanks for this Chinatown! Looking it up, mine is more in the lumbar region on both sides.

 

I’m 6’3” and also drive a daycab.

 

A worn out seat, or a seat that you can't seem to get comfortable in will do that.

 

Taking into consideration of this and some previous posts of yours. I would suggest you look into a differant line of work.....
Perhaps RC Gorman would be a better employer with the trains instead of trucks

 

This type of discomfort I get every time the mechanic moves the seat to drive. I have to adjust the seat multiple times to get it "right".

In my current truck I tried 3 different new seats, I ended up putting the original chair back in. Adjusting it to and away from dash also height.
Until I find the exact spot. I adjust the seat when the pain starts. Once I find the spot, I drive all day with no pain.

 

Mine was always a mix of a crappy seat and being 6'2 with long ### legs. When i got a nice seat for my peterbilt a lot of the pain went away. What ive found is the seat pad usually is not long enough and these seats arent tall enough so my legs force me into a slouch. So getting one thats longer or adjustable as well as one that rides at a comfortable height helps a ton.

Also your wallet? Ditch it.