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A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Long Island, NY

Does anyone Suffer from extreme back pain while on a car ride? I’m a passenger. I’m not driving. If it more than 1 1/2 hours, I cannot get comfortable. I use a pillow for my back. I had 9 compression fractures repaired with kyphoplasty. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions fellow shipmates? Wishing you all a blessed weekend. Thank you.

June 26
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a shipmate asking for help managing extreme back pain during car rides after having 9 compression fractures repaired... Read more

Members rallied around a shipmate asking for help managing extreme back pain during car rides after having 9 compression fractures repaired with kyphoplasty. Several members shared helpful strategies including ergonomic seat cushions found on Amazon, heated seat belts and car seat warmers, pillows under the rear rather than just the back, riding in the backseat to lay down on longer trips, and stopping every hour to walk around and stretch. A recurring theme was the importance of physical therapy to strengthen back-supporting muscles, along with the emotional support of planning trips in manageable stages, such as breaking a long drive into two days with a hotel stop.

MyMyelomaTeam

First off, a blessed weekend right back at you! After 9 compression fractures and kyphoplasty, it's completely understandable that long car rides are a real challenge. You're definitely not alone in this — many MyMyelomaTeam members deal with back pain that makes travel tough.

Here are some tips that may help:

- Stop Show Full Answer

First off, a blessed weekend right back at you! After 9 compression fractures and kyphoplasty, it's completely understandable that long car rides are a real challenge. You're definitely not alone in this — many MyMyelomaTeam members deal with back pain that makes travel tough.

Here are some tips that may help:

- Stop frequently — one MyMyelomaTeam member shared that on a 7-hour car trip, they stopped every couple of hours just to get out and walk around, even doing circles around gas stations!
- Adjust your seating position — try shifting how you're seated, or experiment with pillow placement under your knees as well as behind your back
- Use heat — a portable heating pad can offer temporary relief during the ride
- Time your pain medication — talk to your doctor about timing doses to cover long travel periods It's also worth asking your doctor about whether a back brace might help stabilize your spine during longer trips, and whether physical therapy could improve your comfort and mobility overall. One MyMyelomaTeam member said PT "gave me what I needed to walk again."

Always check with your care team before making any changes to pain management. Safe travels! ⚓

June 26
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Debbie,
I looked it up and it looks super comfortable. Thank you for sharing, especially with Angela.💕
Paula 🌹

June 27
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I agree heated seats help and I too am in Arizona. If you don’t have check out Amazon for their heated message belts. I also have one and wear when doing chores it helps keep me a bit more flexible. Best wishes!

June 27
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

@A MyMyelomaTeam Member,
At one point, my right leg would not lift off the gas pedal to brake. I was going fast in the diamond lane, and had to stop quickly. It was scary. I stopped driving for a few months. I have osteoprosis and osteoarthritis of the hip and my pelvis is deteriorating. Be careful. Taking Calcium & magnesium (1200-1400mg MRM Bone Maximizer III) with extra D3 and K2 has helped tremendously.
Paula🌹

June 26
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Shipmate Paula, yes, we sure are very blessed to still have a parent still alive. Hugs to you. ❤️

July 6

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