MM993

I know 47 isn't that old, but my lower back is killing me after a nice 1-2 hour ride lately. So with the standard seat package in my car, I have started to look around for something to add support. As always I wanted to ask all of you if you have any suggestions.

cmoss

If you have a big fat wallet, take it out before the drive.

I tried this and it really helps.

TMc993

Mike,

Before you drop a ton of green on new seats, get with an athletic trainer or physical therapist and have them give you some exercises for your hamstring muscles. 3 minutes of stretching once a day will do wonders for your lower back.

Of course, if this whole backache thng is just a ruse to convince your wife you need a new set of seats, then keep this post out of sight...

matt777

I have the same problem and find the std seats hard on the lower back. My BMW seats on the other hand are great. I bought a lumbar support pad from Walmart which straps to the seat. I think it is about 8 to 10" tall. Since the car is garaged until April or May I won't know if it will work but since rolling up a windbreaker and stuffing it behind my back does the trick I'm thinking it will. It's not the prettiest solution but finding power lumbar seats in chestnut might be a difficult and very expensive solution.

2Many Cars

I have the lumbar seats and I have to say they are great. I don't find my seats (standard, non-comfort) are that comfortable but with the lumbar full on they're pretty good. I have to believe a cheapo support pillow would be as effective as the factory rigs, just not as....well factory. Don't know if you have one near you but if you can find one go to a "Relax the Back" store - they have some great stuff. (no affiliation etc.)

geolab

I had the same problem, confronted to drive 4200 kilometers (36hrs) one day, I kept trying to find a solution, even with my 12 way heated lumbar/dorsal seats.
I tilted the driver seat from the front, 2.5 centimeters to the inside, problem resolved.
to do this, I unplugged the right hand side cable from under the front of the seat, pushed the advance arrow and the seat will twist to the inside, replugged the cable to the motor.
now the seat slides front/ rear sideways like a crab.
If you are tall, and the seat is far back, the angle of course should be lower, try it..regards

Rinty

I've got the comfort seats, and they fit me better than any car seat I've ever sat in (I'm 6' 1", 190#). I never carry a wallet in a rear pocket, even in the city.

Stealth 993

Honestly, stretch & do some basic Yoga.

If that doesn't help, I'm serious, get a smaller bathroom towel wrap it up, then stick it behind your lower back, it will do wonders.

MM993

Thanks guys for all the great advice!!!

CMOSS - I wish I had a fat wallet, the way things are going in this economy.
2Manycars - I have a "Relax the Back" in Tampa, so i'll check them out, Walmart as well.
Matt and Stealth - yes I need to get my butt into the gym.
Geolab - I'll try yours if all else fails.

NC TRACKRAT

I"ve had degenerative discs for years and, in the past, had considerable back pain. Finally found relief with a very well built, easily adjustable inversion table, the "F5000 Hang Ups". Cost is about $400 and it's well worth every penny. Just a few minutes on this machine gives me incredible relief. I can easily drive for hours now without pain because my spine is is so much better shape. Check it out!

Brad '95 C4

I've used the back surgery as an excuse to upgrade to Recaros--then added the inflatable lumbar bladder. I've done this to my last three cars. I can drive hours without pain.

Ed Burdell

+1 to rolled up towels, seat adjustments, etc.

...and +1 that 47 is not old! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!