leg pain while driving '93 SL?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RL
  • Start date Start date
R

RL

For the past few months I've had chronic pain in my right leg which I
believe is due to driving my '93 SL1. Has anyone else had this
problem, and if so, what did they do to alleviate it?

It could be described as a dull shooting pain/aching from the middle
of the back of my right thigh down to the upper part of the calf. The
pain seems to radiate from the thigh to the calf. The muscle is
buried and extremely difficult to stretch, and it hurts while
stretching it. It does not hurt (except when aggravated after
driving) while walking or running (9 miles/week without trouble). The
only culprit left is this car. There is no associated back pain so
sciatica is unlikely. I'm also only 24.

This car is an ergonomic nightmare. I've tried readjusting the seat
position both forwards and backwards. Because I'm short (5'3"), there
are only 2 positions where the gas pedal is within comfortable reach.
Someone once commented that he thought I was so close to the steering
wheel, if the airbag inflated it would kill me. The gas pedal is a
few inches back from the brake pedal, which results in awkward
twisting movement between brake and gas rather than the simple heel
pivot. My previous car never caused these problems.

I already carpool and only drive to work every other week. This pain
is persistent enough that a week of no driving does nothing to fix the
problem. The traffic here in DC is certainly no help.

Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
Do you have a store called 'Relax the Back' in your area? I was there a few
years ago and they sold a back support for the car that has an aluminum rod
in the back where they bend it to fit your back. That may help. I get the
same kind of pain in my right leg when I drive more than an hour. It starts
at my hamstring and goes into the calf. Sometimes I use cruise control so I
can bend my right leg for a minute or two and that helps. The best way I
alleviate it is to get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes.

Hope this helps.

Brian

p.s. I drive a 2000 SL2 and find the seats extremely uncomfortable. I think
the seats are too low and don't allow a natural bend in the knees when
seated.
 
Or seeing a doctor? No small ergonomic issue should cause something so
severe sounding.

My 92 SL2 has caused us no such issues. I am 6' and my wife is 5'6" no
problem for her either.
 
RL said:
For the past few months I've had chronic pain in my right leg which I
believe is due to driving my '93 SL1. Has anyone else had this
problem, and if so, what did they do to alleviate it?

It could be described as a dull shooting pain/aching from the middle
of the back of my right thigh down to the upper part of the calf. The
pain seems to radiate from the thigh to the calf. The muscle is
buried and extremely difficult to stretch, and it hurts while
stretching it. It does not hurt (except when aggravated after
driving) while walking or running (9 miles/week without trouble). The
only culprit left is this car. There is no associated back pain so
sciatica is unlikely. I'm also only 24.
Click to expand...

This might be related to some other type of injury or condition you have.
I'm 21 but have severe osteoarthritis and some replaced joints. Prior to
surgery, staying in one position (such as during a long drive) or in a weird
position would leave me with a bunch of pains and aches. I'd go see a
doctor.
This car is an ergonomic nightmare. I've tried readjusting the seat
position both forwards and backwards. Because I'm short (5'3"), there
are only 2 positions where the gas pedal is within comfortable reach.
Someone once commented that he thought I was so close to the steering
wheel, if the airbag inflated it would kill me. The gas pedal is a
few inches back from the brake pedal, which results in awkward
twisting movement between brake and gas rather than the simple heel
pivot. My previous car never caused these problems.
Click to expand...

My mother drives a '98 Altima. She even has the fancy power adjustable
seats. I cannot get comfortable driving her car. Even on a trip from NYC
to DC I could not get comfortable the entire time. That's why test-driving
is so important when purchasing a new automobile. GM is being pretty cool
with it's new 24-hour road test thing, gives you the chance to get some real
seat time.
I already carpool and only drive to work every other week. This pain
is persistent enough that a week of no driving does nothing to fix the
problem. The traffic here in DC is certainly no help.

Any suggestions? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Take a Tylenol or buy a new car. BTW, I'm only 5'2" and prefer to sit on a
pillow or two to elevate my view of the road. Perhaps that may help you
too.
~strat81
 
Kirk Kohnen said:
Replace either the car or the leg.
Click to expand...

Before you go to that expense, you could look at replacing just
the seat, or maybe just add a seat cushion. Pedal extenders
might be helpful also.

-DanD
 
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