Herniated my L5S1 about 10 months ago. It’s been a long road with lots of ups and downs. Initially I couldn’t walk, had shooting pain down my right leg, cramps, numbness etc. I’m 35.

No surgery (UK) - I was basically told if I wasn’t screaming in pain then they wouldn’t operate as the 2 year outcomes are the same. So PT and walking and swimming and rest.

Standing and walking was hard - sitting was fine. Mostly I sat, swam, and slowly walked myself back to being ‘better’.

About 3 months ago, it was feeling pretty good. No real pain. Some numbness, but improved. I was offered and accepted a new job that requires a 1hr drive (opposed to 25 minutes now) - but for a 40% pay rise, so definitely worth it. At the time, driving wasn’t an issue at all - I could sit fine.

Since then something has changed - now I have a constant ache in my lower left back (was right sided before!) and pain builds with sitting. I’m worried about the 1hr drive, so looking for some advice or tips to minimise pain while driving. I drive manual (UK) and it will be a very stop-start commute I think 😬

One potential plan is to book a hotel for one night a week to save a couple of trips - but that would have to work around my daughter (divorced with 50:50 childcare).