11 replies to this topic

[Muskie]

Hi Folks,

My son has a 3 hour round trip commute to rehab 3 times a week. he is in a power assist chair and is transported in his chair. Needless to say he gets bounced around alot and it is wearing on him. Is there an attachment of something that I can connect to his wheelchair that will reduce the stress that is put on his neck?

thanks
Muskie

[wheeliebear75]

So I'm taking it then that his power chair doesn't have a head rest on it? If there is not rest on it at all....maybe using those pillows that go around the neck for traveling? If he has a headrest on his chair already could you adjust it more forward to support his head during transport but then push it back once he is there?

[ClaraTaylor]

Would a soft neck brave be of any good?

[richo]

 Muskie, on 09 January 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

Hi Folks,

My son has a 3 hour round trip commute to rehab 3 times a week. he is in a power assist chair and is transported in his chair. Needless to say he gets bounced around alot and it is wearing on him. Is there an attachment of something that I can connect to his wheelchair that will reduce the stress that is put on his neck?

thanks
Muskie

hi i find that if you can get him most center of the front and rear wheels is the best/smoothest spot.directly over the rearwheels is the worst....allso a soft neckbrace .........take careRICHO

[PidderBear 4.O]

Really try to get him away from the wheels, and closer to the front if possible. The axel areas are bad, but the back is the worst.

[Muskie]

Thanks Folks,

We have move him forward after the first trip you think the driver would have know this. He refuses to where a donut around his neck so we have asked his OT about making a travel headrest.

Muskie

[Courtney]

When you say he travels in his chair, are you saying that he sits in his chair the entire trip there and back? if it's possible, I'd highly reccommend transferring him into a seat--sitting on his wheelchair cushion or an air cushion. Then get a driving strap and strap him and and also the seat belt (This is how Duke drives on long trips) He'll be much more comfortable......Duke might sit in his chair if we are making a quick trip--just about 4-5 minutes, but if its any more than than that, he transfers and drives, he hates--absolutely hates--being "bounced around" in his chair....

[Muskie]

 Courtney, on 12 January 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

When you say he travels in his chair, are you saying that he sits in his chair the entire trip there and back? if it's possible, I'd highly reccommend transferring him into a seat--sitting on his wheelchair cushion or an air cushion. Then get a driving strap and strap him and and also the seat belt (This is how Duke drives on long trips) He'll be much more comfortable......Duke might sit in his chair if we are making a quick trip--just about 4-5 minutes, but if its any more than than that, he transfers and drives, he hates--absolutely hates--being "bounced around" in his chair....

Hey Courtney,

I had Nick Transfer into the front passenger seat and it made a huge difference.

Thanks,

K

Edited by Muskie, 13 January 2012 - 11:29 PM.

[goose]

I always sit in the passengers seat too....so much better and the view is nicer. I think it has also improved my core muscles. When I first started riding there, I was like a webble wobble and had to brace myself alot. Now, the only thing that bothers me are hard ,sharp turns and sudden stops.

It'll also help with his demeanor. When your riding in the front seat, people passing have no idea of your injury and you get a chance to feel somewhat normal....now that's a good thing.

Remember to recline once in awhile for a few minutes. I have used all kinds of cushions to sit on....stadium cushions, memerory foam cushions (I had one covered in a vinyl fabric to help slide easier but remember to leave a hole in the cover for air to escape )etc. I'm kinda tall so couldn't really use anything real thick. I didn't use a cushion for many years (had one built in...fanny) but we go on long trips (12+ hours a day)and found my rear end liked it better with alittle extra padding.

He'll really enjoy the ride now!!!

[Courtney]

I'm glad he had a better trip!!!

Courtney

[Bethann]

When I was in the hospital and going to be going home for my first time I was told to use the passing lane for driving if possible if your driving on a double highway which is how I get back and forth to the hospital. For some reason it seems to be smoother than the right side lane and to this day I drive on the passing side on highways if no one is behind me. It isn't as bumpy. I live in Wisconsin, USA. Not sure where you are from if this may help you or not.

[LeviM]

When I was living in an assisted living facility, they used to transport me in my chair, in this bus type rig. I swear it had the worse shocks ever, or maybe it was the crappy Houston roads lol. Anyways, I had the same type issues. My neck muscles are really weak so after a trip there and back (between 15 and 30 minutes each way) I was in a lot of pain. It often took a few days to recover from it. I can't imagine having to go through that for 3 hours, 3 times a week!

The soft neck brace is something I used and it definitely helped. I have a head rest on my chair but it doesn't do good at supporting the back of the neck at all. I have tried many different types of head/neck rest but none really supported the back of the neck correctly. You might also try placing a thin but soft pillow behind his neck/head along with a soft neck brace.