Best Seats for Back Pain

[D.O.G.]

I too have suffered from back pain over the years, although mine is lower back.

The best standard seat I've used was the one in my Mitsubishi Cordia.
It wrapped around enough to give good support while cornering, without being restrictive and had adjustable lumbar support.
The cushions were firm without being too hard and being a two door car, the seats fold forward.

I agree about the overall vehicle ride being important.
I don't run my tyres at max side wall pressures for comfort reasons. Instead, I split the difference between side wall and recommended pressure as a compromise between FE and not feeling every ripple on the road.

[larrybuck]

Great subject! my 2 cents echos previous answers. A quality seat is nice,
but not really needed.

Exercise to strengthen the back is important. The best I've found is leg lifts.
Lie on your back on the floor. A pillow under your head. Wear your heaviest
boots.

Lift your legs a few inches off the floor while keeping your head down. A big strain
until you get built up. Start with what is bearable and gradually add more time.

You should be doing quite well if you can hold for 2 minutes.

The cushion XYZ mentioned is EXACTLY right on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With it, you can drive ANYTHING!!! I deliver trucks that have sometimes the crudest
upright literal bench seats, and this portable mini recaro (in my mind) goes with me
every where.

Works great on old 50's, 60's cars too.

Available at any chiropractor place, and at many stores for about $35-40.

Help your back, and it'll serve you well.

[Cobb]

You know, when I use to drive anything and everything I used one of those back braces you see guys wear in the hardware store. I wore it loosely til I got behind the wheel, then I tighten up the first strap, then the side flaps. I could sit on a bucket and drive and be fine with the brace on.

[ksa8907]

You might try going to a local junk yard and testing out some seats. I can honestly say the two most comfortable seats I have ever sat in were from a '92 dodge van and the other is in my car, '00 dodge intrepid. Dont buy seats from a base model, they're crap. You said you want manual seats but Id say running the power wire is well worth it.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by Cobb

You know, when I use to drive anything and everything I used one of those back braces you see guys wear in the hardware store. I wore it loosely til I got behind the wheel, then I tighten up the first strap, then the side flaps. I could sit on a bucket and drive and be fine with the brace on.

A car seat is nothing more than a steel frame with cushioned upholstery on it.

The seat has to have a crash worthy frame. All cars have that. Beyond that, you can add cushions to the seat to make your ride more supportive and comfortable.

Yes, it is as simple as that. Yes, it is cheaper and easier to bolster your existing seat with add-ons, rather than replace it.

[PressEnter[]]

Well, I'm not old, but (and I should be ashamed to admit it) comfort was the main reason I went for a Jetta. the seat is comfortable, but more than that the driving position is absolutely perfect for me.

[Ford Man]

I have chronic lower/upper back pain and have been on morphine for pain for several years. One thing I've found that helps my upper back pain when driving long distances is holding the steering wheel near the bottom so I'm not holding the weight my arms horizontally for long periods of time. For lower back pain a seat with firm lumbar support or something such a thin firm pillow or cushion between the seat and back seems to help. I've never tried it, but I've also heard some say for lower back pain it's helpful to place a thin pillow or cushion underneath the thighs while driving.

I purchased a Light Relief unit a few months ago that is nothing but infrared light and have been using it. They claim the infrared light penetrates and heats muscle tissue 2-3 inches below the skins surface and also promotes muscle healing and blood circulation. Usually winter time is awful for my pain, but since I've been using the Light Relief my pain level has been considerably lower. I've read on the internet that the Light Relief company sometimes overcharges or sends items you don't order then bills you for them, so I suggest if you try a Light Relief you buy a used one off of eBay to prevent having to deal with a not so honest company. The Light Relief comes with a small infrared light pad approximately 5"x7", but there's a larger pad approximately 7"x11" available for about $30. that works good for the back or other large areas.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by Ford Man

I have chronic lower/upper back pain and have been on morphine for pain for several years. One thing I've found that helps my upper back pain when driving long distances is holding the steering wheel near the bottom so I'm not holding the weight my arms horizontally for long periods of time. For lower back pain a seat with firm lumbar support or something such a thin firm pillow or cushion between the seat and back seems to help. I've never tried it, but I've also heard some say for lower back pain it's helpful to place a thin pillow or cushion underneath the thighs while driving.

I purchased a Light Relief unit a few months ago that is nothing but infrared light and have been using it. They claim the infrared light penetrates and heats muscle tissue 2-3 inches below the skins surface and also promotes muscle healing and blood circulation. Usually winter time is awful for my pain, but since I've been using the Light Relief my pain level has been considerably lower. I've read on the internet that the Light Relief company sometimes overcharges or sends items you don't order then bills you for them, so I suggest if you try a Light Relief you buy a used one off of eBay to prevent having to deal with a not so honest company. The Light Relief comes with a small infrared light pad approximately 5"x7", but there's a larger pad approximately 7"x11" available for about $30. that works good for the back or other large areas.

It's the placebo effect. Placebos work as long as you believe in them. Then, when they stop working, you need to buy another placebo. There will always be another placebo on the market to replace the previous one you bought.

[Cobb]

This colder than normal weather has my back acting up. Ive been hitting the muscle relaxers really hard and found from my dr I can take an extra dose a day. Really helps on top of the yoga ball.

[Ford Man]

Originally Posted by XYZ

It's the placebo effect. Placebos work as long as you believe in them. Then, when they stop working, you need to buy another placebo. There will always be another placebo on the market to replace the previous one you bought.

So if I change the plugs in my car and believe it will get 100MPG, it will?

Having had chronic back pain for between 14-15 years I've tried lots of things to get pain relief and know what does and doesn't work for me. I've spent thousands on nerve root blocks, steroid injections, seeing specialists and surgeons hoping something/someone could help. Aside from narcotic pain killers and a chiropractor I used when I lived in NC this has worked better than anything. When I bought it I doubted it would help, but for $40 used on eBay it was worth a try, and I haven't regretted it. When you're in pain 24/7 and have at times been to the point of spending a month in bed and have to crawl to get around you'll give anything within reason a chance. I have to take medication so I can sleep at night, otherwise I'll stay awake all night. There have been a few times since I bought the Light Relief it has relieved enough of the pain and relaxed me enough I've fell asleep in the recliner in the middle of the day, something I hadn't done in years. I won't say it'll help everyone, but it has helped my pain considerably. I've got hundreds of dollars worth of devices I've tried, many only a few times that did absolutely nothing or in many cases made the pain worse. When I first injured my back I spent months in physical therapy which works for lots of people, but all it did for me was make my pain worse.

More about infrared light pain relief. http://www.soyouwanna.com/infrared-l...lief-4613.html