What it's like to drive a car after spine surgery

We hope that the recovery from the spine surgery is going well. We believe that you are slowly getting used to everything and that your recovery will be successful.

Depending on when your surgery was, you will know when you can drive again. You have noticed that sleeping after spine surgery is a challenge for you, it is clear to you that driving a car or sitting after spine surgery will not be any different.

For the first three to four weeks after spinal surgery, it is not allowed to drive a car due to the inability to control the position and excessive load on the spine when driving. Trust me, I'm telling you this from personal experience.

In addition to my experiences, these texts also include an expert medical team, with whom I created the MySpine application in collaboration.

How to get into a car after spine surgery

Before getting into the car, move the passenger seat as far back as possible. Lower the seat back a little to reduce pressure on the spine. If you have a smaller pillow, place it on the seat, the ride will be more comfortable because you will feel every bump in the road on your back. A good practice is to put a nylon bag on the seat to make it easier to get your legs into the car and later turns.

Approach the passenger door with your back to the seat.

With your back to the seat, hold the seat back with your right hand and the cockpit or the lower part of the seat with your left, do not hold on to the door because it is not strong and can easily start to close, further injuring you or causing you to fall.

Slowly bend your knees and hips and sit on the edge of the seat. Try not to bend your back and neck when entering.

After sitting on the edge of the seat, move slowly, i.e. slide onto the entire seat (the bag mentioned earlier will help you here).

Bend your legs at the knees and slowly slide them one by one into the car, avoid twisting your spine when getting in. Stretch your legs and fasten your seat belt.

Do not hold on to the door or overhead handle after sitting down.

Every 30-45 minutes, ask the driver to stop and walk around the car for 10-15 minutes to avoid severe pain.

It is strictly forbidden to drive alone for 4-6 weeks after the operation. If you drive alone, driving can cause you great pain and prolong the postoperative recovery.

It is strictly forbidden to drive if you are taking opioid drugs that reduce the speed of reaction and judgment in traffic situations.

Getting out of a car after spine surgery

Unfasten your seat belt, open the door, bend your legs at the knees, slowly turn your whole body towards the exit and slowly move to the edge of the seat. Place both feet on the ground.

Hold onto the seat back with one hand and the cockpit or seat with the other.

Do not hold the handle above the neck, this way you will put too much strain on the spine. Also, do not hold on to the door itself as it can easily close and injure you or cause you to fall.

Stand up slowly without bending and twisting your back and neck as much as possible. Stand up using the power of your legs instead of your back.

Driving a car after

For the first three to four weeks after spinal surgery, it is not allowed to drive a car due to the impossibility of controlling the position and load on the spine when driving.

When you start driving again stick to these tips (from personal experience)

• Sit in the car with your back to the seat. Bend your legs at the knees and slowly pull them one by one into the car.
• Limit driving for shorter periods to a maximum of 20 minutes at a time.
• After about 20 minutes, stop, walk for 5-10 minutes and stretch a little. If you have severe pain, recline the seat and lie down in the car to reduce the pressure on the spine.
• Use a smaller pillow as a lumbar support for your lower back.
• Your knees should be slightly bent when your feet press the pedals all the way down.
• Place the backrest upright so that your hands are not strained when holding the steering wheel.
• Make sure your shoulders are relaxed. 
• Be careful not to hold the steering wheel too tightly.
• Avoid excessive twisting and bending of the spine.

When getting out of the car, bend your legs at the knees and slowly move them out of the car and stand up.

We wish you a fast and successful recovery!

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