I’ve been struggling lately with my hip and lower back, and honestly, the hardest part of my day has become just getting in and out of my sedan. It’s low to the ground, and that twisting motion to get my legs inside feels like it’s grinding my joints. I’m sure many of you have the same issue, especially when the car parked next to you is too close to open the door all the way.
I wanted to share a few little tricks I’ve picked up that have actually made a difference. First, if you don’t want to buy a fancy swivel seat, just put a heavy-duty plastic grocery bag on the car seat. When you sit down, the plastic lets you slide and pivot your whole body much easier without that painful friction on your hips. It sounds silly, but it works! Just make sure to move the bag before you start driving so you don’t slide around while turning corners.
Another thing is to check for the “hidden” handle. Most cars have a sturdy grip above the window, but if yours doesn’t, you can actually buy a portable handle that hooks into the metal U-shaped latch on the door frame. It gives you a solid point to push off from. Also, I’ve learned to always lead with my backside. Sit down first with both feet still on the pavement, then swing your legs in together as one unit. It saves the lower back a lot of grief.
Does anyone else have little hacks for the car? I’m also looking for tips on how to stay comfortable on drives longer than thirty minutes. My right knee tends to lock up if I’m the one driving.
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The plastic bag trick is a lifesaver! I thought my daughter was joking when she suggested it, but it really does stop that awful twisting at the waist.
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For your knee locking up on longer drives, have you tried using cruise control more often? Even on main roads, letting your leg rest for a few minutes can prevent that stiffness from setting in. I also keep a small tennis ball in the side pocket to roll under my thigh when I’m a passenger.
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Be careful with those plastic bags though, they can be quite slippery if you aren’t expecting it!
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I actually traded in my old Buick for a small crossover SUV just because of the seat height. Being able to slide straight across instead of climbing ‘up’ or ‘down’ made a world of difference for my arthritic hips. If you’re in the market for a new car, look for something with a high H-point.
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That portable handle you mentioned is called a ‘Handybar’ and it’s worth every penny. I keep mine in the glove box.
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My husband has a bad back and we found that keeping the seat adjusted a bit further back than usual helps him get his legs in. Then he just slides the seat forward once he’s settled. It’s an extra step, but it beats the pain of hitting his knees on the steering column every single time we go to the store.
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Regarding the knee pain, do you have heated seats? Even in the summer, I turn the seat heater on low. The warmth keeps the blood flowing and keeps my joints from seizing up during the commute. It feels like a heating pad for your whole lower body.
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Great tips here. I’m going to try the ‘backside first’ method today when I head to my doctor’s appointment. Thanks for posting!
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