my arm is killing me! please help

I would say that there are a few things contributing to this. Possibly a pinched nerve or something, but sounds like you are to tense and maybe gripping the wheel to tight or seat is not adjusted right. Try switching some things up to see if you can alleviate the problem, but do go to the doctor and see what they say, but I would say you are to tense....

 

You would be surprised how tense you are until you learn to relax. It will get to a point when you are more comfortable in a truck than a 4 wheeler. I just got back off vacation and felt out of my element in a 4 wheeler. Try different relaxing techniques while you drive. After a while your senses will tell you when to get in your zone and when to drift some.

 

Notarps makes a good point. When I first started out, I would tense up like crazy whenever I got into traffic or snow. After a little while, my arms and back would begin to hurt. Once I got some confidence, it all went away. But, I'm no Dr. so definetly go see the doc. Good luck driver.

 

I have always felt that the arm rest is a good idea. I have driven trucks without them and found that my right side has issues that are not there with the arm rest.

I am not stressed at the fact of driving, but I had noticed this in the past.

 

I have arm rest, but sometimes put them up and don't use them. I have had a pain in the shoulder like he is talking about. If it is the right shoulder it is hard to turn your head to the left. Can be a pinched nerve or just a muscle spasm, but a doctor should be able to pin point it.

 

They have arm rest at truck stops that you can buy I would also go see a doc

 

I don't disagree on the doctor. I am guilty of alot of self diagnosing. It comes with all of the medical training I have to deal with. After all, I just ask myself the same questions I would ask the patient. If it needs a doctor, I tell myself that as well.

 

After you see your doctor, if he finds nothing wrong with you, (WE HOPE), you might want to try some different isometric exercises behind the wheel.

With both hands on the wheel, hold the wheel and try to push your hands together, using the resistance of the wheel to work against. Then doing the same thing, try to pull your hands apart.

Rotate your shoulders, forward and backward.

Drop your arms down to your side (one at a time if you are driving for heaven's sake!) and flex your hand and fingers. Rotate your wrist. Squeeze your fist.

I am with everyone else here who thinks you need to relax and loosen up a little behind the wheel. This will come naturally with time, but for now you need to actively work on it.

Good luck1