Driving

[Gobbsofjoy]

I'm finding that I grip the steering wheel so tightly that my arm muscles become exhausted after awhile. I can will myself to relax but it only lasts for a few minutes. Any suggestions?

[park_bear]

Do you fear that something adverse will happen if you allow yourself to relax?

[Gobbsofjoy in reply to park_bear]

The tight grip is a motor problem that occurs more when my meds are low.

[Parkie- in reply to Gobbsofjoy]

The tight grip is definitely a motor problem. I get that on my affected side ONLY (left hand is gripped while right hand is normal). But no, other than releasing it (it comes back unconsciously within a few seconds) I found nothing that helps.

[Gobbsofjoy in reply to Parkie-]

Thank you for responding.

[laglag in reply to Gobbsofjoy]

I used to grip my hands on the streering wheel before I was even diagnosed. I also held my pen tightly when writing which prompted me to visit my doctor because I thought I had Carpel Tunnel. Nope, it was something completely different, Parkinson's. What a shock. Here is what I just thought & looked up on the internet....

Unconscious Stress....

"Pain. You may unconsciously clench your jaws or fists or develop muscle tension, especially in your neck and shoulders, all of which can lead to unexplained physical pain. Stress may also cause a variety of other health ailments, including upset stomach, shortness of breath, back pain, headaches and insomnia."

I notice gripping the steering wheel & always thinking why am I doing that? Your question possibly just gave me the reason. When it happens I may be low on dopamine & before I was diagnosed 17 yrs ago, I wasn't on any meds. So I believe it's an unconscious thought possibly of driving because you need to pay close attention to what you're doing.

[Gobbsofjoy in reply to laglag]

Thank you for sharing your insights!