BRZ causing sciatic pain... halp
 

So after shoving down well over 500 miles in the BRZ since picking it up last week I absolutely love the car, (even the radio) but the complete lack of leg support in the seat bottom is causing me some discomfort on my sciatic nerve after 30-45 minutes of driving.

Has anyone here had a shop insert additional foam in the front of the seat bottom? Is there enough alcantra there to get away with just adding more foam in that area?

Depending upon your body proportions, you may be able to lower the seat height. IIRC this will alter the angle of the seat pan, offering more support towards the front of your thighs as the seat is lowered.

Try it and see if you can adapt the seatback angle, fore/aft position, and steering wheel reach/height to suit you. It may end up being a compromise, but still easier to live with than the relentless pain of sciatica.

Best wishes.

(The sciatic nerve has been described as the longest river of pain in the human body. It can be bad.)

I've already got the seat as low as possible. I do sit close but I've ALWAYS sat close and it's never been an issue, tried scooting the seat back to see if that would help and all it does is make me feel "disconnected."

had that with my 370z, but not with my brz.... though could also be caused by something you recently changed same time as car (new bed, sleeping with someone/diffferent sleeping position, working out....)

When I first got my BRZ I had the same issue but now I'm about 2000 miles in, I don't have any issues anymore. Seat adjustment worked for me...I adjusted the seat-back further back and raised the seat up a bit until the seat cradled me with no pressure on my lower back. Also move the seat closer to the steering wheel about one or two clicks. Depending on your physical proportions... I'm 6'1, 230-240. I also feel like the cushions have become softer on my thigh support which doesn't squeeze my thighs as much. Hopefully you will find the same results in time.

I would take the suggestions above. The seat still needs to be broken in a bit, 500 is still early. Sit in it some more and it will soften up a little to your body. My seat is much softer now near my thighs. Granted I do not weigh a lot, but these seats hug your body very well so just sitting in it more breaking them in may do the trick.

Big booty problems.

Keep playing with the seat adjustments until it feels just right. Usually takes me a good 1K miles to get it right while I'm breaking a car in. Then I never touch it again.

You might want to consider physical therapy/exercising as well.

Recaro as ergonomic seats that have extending thing support. I'd look into that if adjusting the seat doesn't work. They can come with ventilation too! You could also go to an upholster and ask what they can do to extend thigh support on the stock seats. And remember, it's not always where it hurts that's the cause of the pain. Might be you need more lumbar or who knows what. Play with things. A towel behind your lower back. Etc.

I have had the same issue attributed to the lack of leg support. Driven the car six months, seat just is NOT right for my body type (6'3" 200). Right leg and hip issues crop up if I go over an hour without stopping. I'm currently looking at several alternative racing seats at a local speed shop.

I keep reading you shouldn't get hard-shelled race seats unless you're making a track car with a cage and all that.

Ive had sciatic pain for a few years and it comes and goes whenever it feels like it. Best thing you can do is see a chiropractor and get it checked on. Saw one for a few months and the pain completely went away. Good luck!

I had the same feeling, keep your wallet in your front pocket and readjust your butt a lot. My body had to adjust to the car, had to lose weight. Losing 15 pounds helps take stress off the hips and knees.

Also I have poor circulation in my legs, they can get numb after a lot of clutch action, so resting on a couch or bed with my feet elevated above my head really helps.