A down pillow with a high thread count pillow case helps me. I also wear Lidoderm patches for car trips of more than 20 minutes. Take extra pain meds 1/2 an hour before starting out--it's harder to decrease pain... Close your eyes, put on headphones and listen to soothing music. Try and plan to leave when you feel at your best, if this after waking up and you can't go early, than try to take a nap. Eat well and avoid carbs and junk food the day before to try and minimize swelling. Dress comfortably and take your shoes off--you want to be relaxed as possible.