Back Pain and Long Term Use
 

Hey guys!


New to the forum here but I have been reading posts here for a few days. I am looking to get a sport coupe in the 25-30k range so I went and test drove an FR-S the other day, I like the styling better than a BRZ.


I liked the car but later than night, you guessed it, massive back pain. I am a bigger guy, not super fat but I sure love my burritos, so sitting in the driver seat I am cramped a little by the sider bolstering.


I need my car to be a DD so I a little worried by the ergonomics of the FR-S I was wondering if there were any other 'hefty' members of the community who could chime in on what its like owning an FR-S. Especially after extended use.


Thanks!

What do you consider "hefty" I'm larger then average and haven't had too many issues with it as my daily driver.

I am 5'7 230, but I used to do bodybuilding so I am pretty solid. I have wide shoulders so I don't seem to fit completely within the bolstering.

agreed. Please elaborate a bit more. I am 6'3" ~240lbs and as my DD I dont have any issues. My back did hurt the first week b/c it needed to get used to the seat but after that all is good here.

Yeah same here had to get used to the seat and adjust it to fit right but if have a little under 5000 miles on it including a 600 mile round trip and have no complaints.
If really needed you can always swap out for some aftermarket seats with wider shoulders!

I am shorter, about 5'7 and clock in at about 230. Sometimes, if I am working out or not, I will fluctuate between 190 and 250 pounds.


It seems silly not to buy a car you love because of the seats but buying a car and then finding out it gives you back pain every time you drive it seems like a bigger worry.


Thanks again for all the information. I like how active the FR-S community seems to be. I am coming from a 300zx and I loved the Z community.


Thanks

This might sound like a stupid question but: Do you by chance keep your wallet in your back pocket?

I had serious back problems (sciatic nerve) when I used to sit on my wallet all day.
I quit carrying it and the problems disappeared almost overnight.

Nope, but that's an interesting idea. I will make sure I never switch to carrying my wallet in my back pocket.

yes in my back right pocket sitting down its probably a little less than 1" thick. The center console is an excellent place to put your wallet if your comfortable leaving it there and can remember to take it with you.

When I first drove it home I complained about the seat to myself but the pain went away. It was just my back adjusting to a new seat form the last 5 years.

I have serious back pain still and sitting in the FRS helps with it. The seats are supportive in the back area and I can go 4 hours driving no problem :)

I wasn't able to stand sitting in my Camry for more than an hour LOL

I'm going to post a link to this just because you said your shoulders didn't fit well.
There are some great aftermarket seats that go nicely with this car.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53473

Thanks for this link I am going to research this. Any idea what an installation costs for a seat replace? Does this replacement mess with your warranty at all?


Thanks again

Your dealership my frown upon it and may give you a hard time but they have to prove that the modification caused the problem, or at least coulD cause the problem if they deny warranty work.

there's a thread in the DIY section where a member propped his side bolsters outward. Perhaps this can help a bit? Don't think this would help much if back pain is the issue (unless side bolsters prevent your back from fully resting on the seat back).