ALEV8

Bxstr

Good to hear! I wonder if using the clutch would make it worse, vs having an automatic, since you aren't constantly shifting positions with your leg/butt every time you shift, which in turn would put pressure on your back. Or maybe shifting wouldn't translate that far back, I have not paid attention.

NuttyProfessor

In my opinion, having to work the clutch pedal will aggravate lower back and hip areas of the body. If you're suffering from lower back problems, driving these cars can be painful, but lumbar support is helpful. I've learned to exercise my lower back more offen including stretching exercises. We're not talking major gym workout here, just simple everyday exercises you can do in your bedroom in the morning. Helped me tremendously.

doclouie

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Balr14

I have some serious back issues and have found my 997.2 seats don't help.

josserman

JustinCase

Compressive back tumor slowly killing my L5 (right sciatic) nerve so that it is constantly throbby/achy, and periodic pulled back muscle from loading trucks nearly every day. *Nothing* makes my back feel better than getting in my manual 997, turning the heated seats up high, and taking a 45 minute spirited drive. That said, I recognize that (a) since it is my right leg and lower back, it is different and easier than my clutch leg, and (b) I have an "S," so I never really experience my clutch getting stiffer and stiffer. I hope you find your way to feel much better. My wife's Macan feels really good, too. Better heated seats and PDK.

rwdds

I hear ya- for me, 40 years of Silat, Jeet Kune Do and Wing Chun, Running, Tennis, HIIT Training in gyms.. all of it. I've blown out the discs from L4 to S2.
Best recommendations from what has worked for me:
- Rolled up towel behind lumbar spine, keep your shoulders back while driving while experiencing pain and sciatica torture
- Lot's of Abs/Core training will promote spinal stability = less pain, as healing and accommodation take place
- Inversion table decompression has helped me, but I have friends who think they are a wast of time

You might have to just stop rolling for 6 mo. to a year, stick to core training and hone the upper body.

tomc_mets

I have a little stadium cushion that I put behind my back for longer rides. Keep heated seats on nearly all the time. Stop every two hours to move around and stretch the back. All in all, i find that the 997 is a pretty comfy ride for long trips. The California is a bit of a butt buster, and the wife's SLK is a torture rack for anything more than a couple hundred miles...T

larrysb

I had to get epidural steroid injections a few weeks ago in my lumbar spine. Still doing PT. The 911 seats are better than most cars. Mine has the base (manual) seats. They have excellent support, especially laterally and the cant of the seat bottom help to unload my spine. The only seat so far I liked better is the current Mercedes SL seating, with adjustable and active bolsters, bottom extension and the seat back massagers.

Dennis R. Cliff

You might try wearing one of those weight lifting belts (thick leather, seven inches wide at the back) cinched snugly. I wore one for years on a motorcycle with minimal suspension. That helped keep everything in place. Two of my most painful back injuries occurred while doing high repetition stiff leg toe touches as a warm up for heavy weight lifting, My 997.2 has good lumbar support and I am currently free of back injury for now. My most comfortable car for long distance has fiberglas bucket seats placed at a low angle and I sit with most of my weight off of my hips as in laying down driving.

Petza914

With a strained left side back and the muscle spasming, using a clutch is impossible. If I had this happen more than about once a year, I'd go to the Macan with PDK - easier to get in and out (higher), and not the constant tensioning of the lower back muscle.

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