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Will driving make my sciatica worse?

I suffer from sciatica, and I read somewhere that driving for extended periods can worsen your sciatica. I plan on doing a cross-country road trip and want to schedule my driving time to be mindful of my sciatica outbursts. Is it true that driving can cause sciatica to flare up?

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Kevin Martinez · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear you’re dealing with this—sciatica flare-ups can be excruciatingly painful. When it comes to driving, sitting for an extended amount of time can cause sporadic flare-ups, which can cause pain and discomfort when driving on the road. Anytime you feel a flare-up, it’s vital that you safely pull over and do the following:
  • Step out of your vehicle and walk it out: This will help get the blood moving in your body. To be safe, it’s a good idea to use your car as a prop to help you walk.
  • Take frequent stops: To avoid a flare-up best, you’ll want to make frequent stops to give yourself time to stretch and massage the areas prone to sciatica flares.
  • Have a gel pack or topical cooling cream readily available: One of my personal favorite tips, this will help soothe the painful spot and provide temporary relief. Make sure to keep these handy when traveling.
Also, it’s best practice to contact your healthcare provider before taking off on a long trip. That way, you can create a plan in the event of a flare-up. Make sure to have your provider’s number handy in case of any emergency.
Another way to ensure that you’re protected and prepared for any surprises while on the road is by having a car insurance policy that will protect you, no matter what comes your way.
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