We’re currently putting together an ROS blog about driving and travelling by car after a spinal fracture, and would love to start the conversation here!
We understand that getting back into a car may bring a real mix of emotions. It might feel daunting, especially if you’re living with pain, fatigue or feeling worried about further fractures. At the same time, it may also bring a sense of freedom, independence and the opportunity to re-connect with people, places and activities that matter. We know everyone’s experience is different, and that’s why we’d love to hear your story.
How did you feel travelling by car after a spinal fracture?
What are some things that have helped make travelling by car easier?
Have you found any gadgets, changes or little things that have helped make driving more comfortable?
Whether you returned to driving or found other ways to get around, what did this mean to you? How has this affected your everyday life after a spinal fracture?
Whether it’s something that made journeys more comfortable, helped you feel more confident, or simply something you wish you’d known sooner, we’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. We’ll be using this discussion to help shape the blog, and may share some quotes from this conversation anonymously, so your ideas could help support others who may be going through something similar.
We’d be really grateful to hear your ideas by August 7th 2026, thank you!
Hi there, I was very scared about driving as the roads are so full of potholes and after 7 vertebral fractures I was worried that just hitting a pothole could be enough to cause another fracture. I decided to buy a memory foam seat cushion and a memory foam back support cushion as I felt they would act as shock absorbers and the seat cushion would be dual purpose as the 4 inches of lost height meant I needed the extra elevation to achieve a better driving position. I bought my cushions from Amazon, they both have zipped removable covers for washing and were inexpensive at £15 each. They have honestly made such a difference and I’ve noticed that you can also get similar products from other online sellers. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
I had two spinal fractures (L3 & T12) and was happy driving once the pain had eased. Last year I fractured T8, T10 & T11, simply by sitting down heavily in a very low chair. Driving was painful, so for about 4 months I took taxis everywhere, which was ok. I’m now driving again and need a cushion to sit on as I’m 5 inches shorter than I was. I haven’t found a comfortable cushion to support my back, but the car seat isn’t uncomfortable. My daughters cars are 4 wheel drives, quite new and I don’t find them comfortable to sit in, although sometimes I’m grateful that I don’t have to drive!
I walk either with a rollator or a stick. I can fold the rollator quite easily and put it in the boot of my car.
I don’t use buses at all because the ride can be bumpy, especially on country roads, and if they stop sharply I would be afraid of falling.
Getting in and out of cars safely was quite the learning curve. Also I have lost my driving licence, which is a severe psychological blow as well as a physical one. We need support through this, as it represents a loss of freedom and choice, however sensible. I had to sell my car, and I’d had it from new, and loved it. This is not so much an osteoporosis thing, it’s due to the stroke that preceded that diagnosis. H owever, many of us have other health issues allied to our osteoporosis.
I had a spinal fracture at T3 caused by the car I was travelling in hitting a pothole. A and E was a nightmare, 11 hours on a hard upright plastic chair, as I was not considered a priority as ‘it was only back pain’. I did not drive, or even go out for a few weeks, and had to sleep on a reclining garden chair as it was the only place I could get comfortable. It took four months to heal so that I was pain free, and I did use a back brace for short periods during the latter part of the day when it was most painful. These are not generally recommended, as they can weaken the back muscles, but I live alone, and need to be able to carry out household tasks. When driving again or travelling as a passenger, I adjusted the seat in the care until I was comfortable and in little or no pain. I recommend asking that tyre pressures are checked regularly in any vehicle you may be travelling a fair distance in. I also recommend heated wheat bags and cold packs used alternatively. I am now very cautious, especially with lifting, avoiding it where possible. I use small carrier bags at the supermarket and only half fill them, and have any heavy items delivered. I used the exercise sheet on the ROS website for exercises for back pain after spinal fractures, and had a consult with a physiotherapist.
I was very nervous about driving or being driven. Especially given the pothole situation. I do drive but it is the parking that is scary. Last year I twisted my back to see what was behind me as I manoeuvred out from a parking space and I really hurt my back. Fortunately it wasn’t another fracture but it was bad enough to have to cancel a holiday. I think it would be really helpful if spinal fractures were considered important enough for a blue badge. It would also make carrying shopping easier.
I have also used memory cushions to sit on and for my back.
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and spinal fractures 3-4 months ago and still have pain and very limited mobility. There is no question of me driving at present, but I have had to travel by car to medical appointments. My main worry was getting in and out of the car, and I found getting the seat height right was key to this and being very careful when I swiveled round to get in and out, as well and using my legs to stand up and sit down. We also adjusted the seat back to an upright position which is most comfortable for me while travelling though the support is quite hard and I wouldn’t want to travel for long (the longest I’ve done is about 25 minutes). My husband has to reach across to get the seat belt for me as I can’t twist round to grab it. While travelling I find I a brace myself with both arms to try and avoid any inadvertent jolts and being thrown around ( my husband is under strict instructions to drive carefully, but he can’t always control what other road users re up to!) Parking close to where you’re going is another issue so I don’t have to walk far. The hospital we have attended has limited drop off space so I usually have to walk further than is ideal and the spaces are tight so I have to get out of the car before we park which can annoy other users as I’m slow (and same in reverse).
I like the idea of using memory foam as additional cushioning in the car, especially in view of the comments about potholes causing fractures (my husband is now even more concerned about me travelling!)
I was interested in the comment about osteoporosis not being a qualifying condition for a blue badge and I’d like to know more about this in the proposed blog post.
Hi. In response to your comment on osteoporosis not being a qualifying condition for a blue badge. It is my understanding that the diagnosis of osteoporosis by it itself does not qualify. However, if you have had fractures which have significantly impacted your mobility then you could qualify. I think you need to be impacted for a certain period of time, so would not be able to apply immediately after first fracture/diagnosis of fracture/s. You would need to be very clear on your application the impact this is having on your ability to walk etc., and be prepared to submit medical reports and treatment etc., I hope this helps a little
Thank you. That’s very much what I thought must be the case, but it’s useful to have that confirmed. I hope my mobility improves so I dont have to consider applying!
How did you feel travelling by car after a spinal fracture?
Did you use the ROS information on driving after fractures and if so, what was most useful? Getting back to everyday activities