LBO Armor Elbow Relief for Truck Drivers

Long-haul driving is hard work. It’s long hours in one posture, repetitive steering inputs, and constant vibration—day after day. Over time, that combination can turn a “small ache” into chronic elbow discomfort, shoulder tightness, and even neck pain that follows you off the road.

LBO Armor was created to solve a very specific (and very common) problem: elbow pain from resting on a driver armrest for hours. Designed by truck driver Fred Loso of Ground Start Products—“Made by a truck driver for truck drivers”—LBO Armor is a supportive, lightweight elbow pad you can wear on your arm or mount to your armrest to help reduce pressure points and stay comfortable and focused.

This guide is the evergreen, safety-first resource for understanding “Trucker’s Elbow,” why it happens, how to prevent it, and how to choose an elbow support solution that’s durable, breathable, and practical for life on the road.

The Fred Loso Story: Driver Comfort, Driver Care

Some of the best driver gear isn’t invented in a boardroom—it’s invented in the cab.

Fred Loso spent years living the realities of the road: long shifts, tight schedules, and the physical stress of staying seated and steady behind the wheel. Like many drivers, he learned that small pain points become big problems when repeated every day—especially elbow pressure from leaning on the armrest for hours.

That lived experience is the foundation of LBO Armor. The motto is simple and driver-first: driver comfort, driver care. The idea isn’t to create a complicated “medical device” or something that gets in the way. It’s to create a practical support that helps drivers reduce pressure, stay comfortable longer, and protect their bodies—because the job is demanding and your body has to last.

What Is “Trucker’s Elbow”?

“Trucker’s Elbow” is a common, informal term drivers use to describe elbow pain or soreness from prolonged pressure and repetitive strain while driving. Medically, elbow pain can come from several sources, including tendon irritation (often discussed similarly to “tennis elbow”), nerve irritation, or bursitis—an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.

For example, bursitis can involve pain and swelling around a joint and often worsens with pressure or overuse. Authoritative medical resources describe bursitis as inflammation of the fluid sacs between joints, which can cause pain and swelling. NIH MedlinePlus explains bursitis and common symptoms. In some cases, elbow bursitis involves swelling at the tip of the elbow and pain with movement; AAOS summarizes elbow (olecranon) bursitis signs and care concepts.

Important note: this article is educational. If you have severe pain, persistent numbness/tingling, obvious swelling, redness/warmth, fever, or sudden loss of strength, seek medical evaluation.

Why Elbow Pain Matters for Driver Safety

It’s easy to think of elbow pain as “annoying but manageable.” But discomfort can change the way you drive—especially over long shifts.

Distraction risk: Pain pulls attention away from the road, and drivers may shift posture repeatedly to find relief.
Fatigue effects: Discomfort can make it harder to stay relaxed and can contribute to overall fatigue. FMCSA highlights fatigue as a safety issue and provides guidance for healthier, more alert driving routines: FMCSA CMV driving tips on driver fatigue.
Long-term injury: When pressure and strain happen daily, the body adapts in unhelpful ways—tight shoulders, compensations, and cumulative wear.

Professional safety expectations are clear: drivers should not operate if alertness is impaired or likely to become impaired by fatigue or other causes. 49 CFR 392.3 outlines the “ill or fatigued operator” standard. Comfort isn’t just about feeling better—it supports safer, steadier performance.

Common Root Causes: Pressure, Posture, and Vibration

Truck drivers face unique ergonomic challenges. Extended sitting, repeated steering actions, and exposure to vibration can increase musculoskeletal strain over time. Evidence-based ergonomics guidance emphasizes designing work to reduce risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). NIOSH (CDC) provides ergonomics resources to help prevent MSDs.

Here are the most common “on-the-road” causes that show up in elbow, shoulder, and neck complaints:

1) Constant pressure on one spot

Leaning your elbow on a hard or narrow armrest creates a concentrated pressure point. Over hours, tissues become irritated, and nerves can feel “pinched.”

2) Shoulder elevation and reaching

If your armrest is too low or too far, you may hike your shoulder or reach forward, increasing tension through the shoulder girdle and neck.

3) Vibration and micro-impacts

Even “smooth” highways create constant micro-movements through the armrest and elbow—adding stress to already-compressed tissue.

4) Repetition + limited recovery

It’s not one day that creates the problem—it’s the repetition. Research shows truck drivers are exposed to multiple MSD risk factors due to working conditions; recent literature reviews discuss MSDs among truck drivers and contributing factors. Systematic review on musculoskeletal disorders among truck drivers.

5) Cab setup that “almost fits”

A setup can feel fine for 30 minutes and still be wrong for 10 hours. The goal is to make the most-supported posture the easiest posture to maintain.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

These are common early signs that elbow support and ergonomics adjustments may help:

Elbow soreness during or after a shift
Burning or tenderness where the elbow rests
Shoulder tightness on the same side as your “resting elbow”
Neck stiffness that worsens on driving days
Hand tingling or “pins and needles” after long drives
Needing to constantly reposition your arm to get comfortable

If symptoms persist, worsen, or include significant numbness/weakness, consult a clinician for evaluation.

Best Practices to Prevent Long-Term Injury

Driver comfort is a system, not a single product. The best results come from combining smarter cab ergonomics with pressure relief and healthy habits.

Step 1: Reduce pressure points

Add padding where your elbow rests to distribute pressure across a larger area.
Use a surface that stays supportive (doesn’t flatten immediately) and is breathable.
Make sure padding doesn’t force your shoulder up or forward.

Step 2: Set your “neutral” driving posture

A helpful rule: your shoulders should feel relaxed (not shrugged), and your elbow should be supported without twisting your wrist or leaning hard into one point. A University of Waterloo ergonomics resource discusses truck driving exposure concerns and MSD risk in occupational drivers: Ergonomic task analysis: Truck driving (University of Waterloo).

Step 3: Micro-breaks that actually fit driving life

When you stop for fuel, checks, or loading time, take 60 seconds to reset:

Open/close your hands 20 times
Roll shoulders back 10 times
Gently extend the elbow and rotate the wrist
Stand tall and take 5 slow breaths

These micro-resets aren’t “gym workouts.” They’re practical ways to reduce stiffness accumulation.

Step 4: Don’t ignore sleep and fatigue management

Comfort problems often feel worse when you’re tired. Follow fatigue best practices and rest planning. Start here: FMCSA guidance on recognizing and reducing driver fatigue.

Common mistakes drivers make

Over-tightening straps: Support should feel secure, not restrictive.
Padding that slips: If it moves, you’ll compensate with posture and tension.
Too bulky: If it interferes with steering/controls, you won’t use it consistently.
Ignoring breathability: Heat and sweat make gear uncomfortable, especially in long shifts.

How LBO Armor Works (Wear It or Mount It)

LBO Armor is built specifically for the cab environment: it supports the elbow where drivers actually feel the pressure—on the armrest or directly on the elbow—without getting in the way.

What LBO Armor is

Elbow relief pad designed for life on the road
Wear it or mount it: attach to the driver armrest or wear it on your elbow
Materials: soft, breathable neoprene with a shock-absorbing memory foam pad
Fit: one size fits all with adjustable straps
Care: hand washable and durable for everyday use

How it helps (simple, practical mechanics)

Cradles the elbow: reduces “hard edge” pressure by distributing load across cushioning.
Absorbs micro-impacts: memory foam can dampen vibration and small bumps.
Reduces friction: neoprene provides a smoother interface than a hard armrest surface.
Supports comfort up the chain: when the elbow is supported, many drivers naturally relax the shoulder and neck.

NIOSH emphasizes that ergonomics aims to fit the task to the worker and reduce strain. NIOSH’s Elements of Ergonomics Programs provides a framework for reducing MSD risk through practical changes.

Wear it or mount it: which is better?

Both approaches work—choose what matches your routine:

Mount to armrest: great if you drive the same truck most days and want a consistent elbow support surface.
Wear on elbow: great if you switch vehicles, share equipment, or want support that moves with you (driving, paperwork, breaks).

Where to buy LBO Armor

You can find the product here: LBO Armor elbow relief pad for truck drivers.

Buying Guide: What to Look For in an Elbow Pad for Truck Drivers

When you compare options in the “driver elbow support” category, you’ll see a mix of office armrests, generic car armrest cushions, sports elbow pads, and medical-style braces. The best choice for truck drivers usually hits a specific set of requirements:

1) Pressure relief without bulk

Look for cushioning that supports rather than collapses. If it’s too thick or stiff, it can push your elbow into an awkward angle.

2) Breathable materials

Long shifts can mean heat buildup. Breathable neoprene and a comfortable inner surface matter more than people expect.

3) Stability (no slipping)

If the pad moves, you’ll chase it with posture. A good solution stays put—either with adjustable straps or secure mounting.

4) Easy cleaning

Cab life is real life: dust, sweat, food, weather, and grime. Hand-washable gear tends to stay in rotation longer.

5) Designed for truck-driver use cases

Many “armrest pads” are made for cars or desks, not 10-hour driving days. Look for solutions explicitly designed for long-haul realities.

6) One-size fit and adjustability

Drivers need quick setup. Adjustable straps that don’t irritate are key.

Care, Cleaning, and Durability on the Road

LBO Armor is designed to be hand washable and durable. To keep any neoprene-and-foam support in good condition:

Hand wash with mild soap and warm water
Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue
Air dry completely before use
Avoid high heat (direct heaters, dryers) to protect foam and elasticity

Durability isn’t just about the product lasting—it’s also about you using it consistently. When care is simple, people keep it in their routine.

For deeper, intent-focused answers, explore these related Travel Trouble articles:

Bottom Line

Elbow pain isn’t “just part of the job.” It’s often the result of repeated pressure and imperfect posture—problems that can be reduced with practical support and better cab ergonomics.

LBO Armor is built for the real driving environment: a breathable neoprene elbow pad with shock-absorbing memory foam that you can wear or mount, designed by a truck driver to help other drivers stay comfortable and focused.

If you want to explore the product and specs, start here: LBO Armor elbow relief for life on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Trucker’s Elbow”?

“Trucker’s Elbow” is a common term for elbow pain from prolonged pressure on the armrest and repetitive strain while driving. It may involve irritated tendons, compressed tissue, or conditions like bursitis, and it can also contribute to shoulder and neck tightness.

Can elbow pain while driving affect safety?

Yes. Pain and discomfort can increase distraction and fatigue, causing drivers to shift posture repeatedly and lose focus. Comfort and alertness are closely linked during long shifts.

How does LBO Armor help with elbow relief?

LBO Armor cradles the elbow with breathable neoprene and shock-absorbing memory foam to reduce pressure points and dampen micro-impacts from vibration. You can wear it on your elbow or mount it to your armrest.

Is LBO Armor bulky or restrictive?

No. LBO Armor is designed to provide support without bulky straps or irritating fasteners. It’s lightweight, breathable, and intended for all-day wear.

How do you clean an elbow pad made with neoprene and memory foam?

Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely before using again. Avoid high heat to protect the foam and elasticity.

Who should consider using LBO Armor?

Drivers who experience elbow soreness, pressure pain on the armrest, or tightness that travels into the shoulder and neck may benefit—especially long-haul drivers, delivery drivers, RV drivers, and anyone who drives for extended periods.

Where can I buy LBO Armor?

You can purchase it online here: https://www.fliproducts.com/lboarmor

When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?

If you have severe pain, persistent numbness or weakness, visible swelling/redness/warmth, fever, or symptoms that don’t improve, seek medical evaluation to rule out bursitis, nerve issues, or other conditions.

Where to Buy FLI Products

Save 10% off your first purchase