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.
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