Driving Comfort for Arthritis and Back Pain Sufferers while Exploring Oz.

Submitted: Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:10

ThreadID: 63055 Views:4065 Replies:8 FollowUps:11

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Member - Fred G (NSW)

Many of us getting on in years especially, (and some not so old), have a variety of afflictions that make prolonged driving periods very uncomfortable and usually painful, to say the least.
I have moderate arthritis of the hips and shoulders, but it is the hips and lower back most affected by stints behind the wheel, and it doesn't have to be for extended periods. Hip replacement within the next five years is the prognosis from the Doctor. Wife has had two full knee reconstructions. A variety of medications make day to day chores, and sleep easier, but as we are planning extended caravanning within the next two years, I am seeking out others solutions for this awful affliction.
Are there any good aftermarket car seats out there that others may have installed to help them with this problem from a driving aspect.
I know it affects many of us, so how do you manage?
We use frequent rest stops, and shortened distances per day of tavel, but still mostly get out of the vehicle like a half shut pocket knife.

Fred and Chris.

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Reply By: Neil & Pauline - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:44

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:44

Fred & Chris
I have a similar problem and done 2 things. Upgaded to a Winnebago with really good seats and use an "E-Cell".
The E-Cell is a gadget that simulates normal brain messages for repair and pain reduction of joints.
I have found it absolutly fantastic. I am doing things now that I havn't done for years.
Not cheap but well worth it in my opinion.

Neil

AnswerID: 332720

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:47

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:47

Thanks Neil, I shall source all available info on an "E-Cell".

Fred.

FollowupID: 600588

Reply By: Member - John - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:54

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:54

Fred, I use an aftermarket seat in my GU wagon, Aerotech, not on the market any more, but bloody great. Have driven 1400 ks in a day and still got out and walked, amazing..... I presume the other aftermarket seats would be just as good, maybe better.... John

John and Jan

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AnswerID: 332726

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:09

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:09

Thanks John. I am keen to find out all those options.
Fred & Chris.

FollowupID: 600595

Reply By: Eric Experience - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:56

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:56

Fred.
Yes we know exactly what you are saying. We have gone from tents to CT to caravan to a very comfortable set up in a Mercedes Sprinter. We don't have to lift anything heavy or struggle with beds If you get an ex ambulance you get the best vehicle with the best suspension seats. The driving position is upright which reduces the angle on your joints. The vehicle is also the cheapest to buy and run of all the vehicles we have owned. Eric

AnswerID: 332728

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:12

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:12

Thanks Eric, I am listening to all of this and will follow up all suggestions. Cheers mate.

Fred & Chris.

FollowupID: 600597

Reply By: PradOz - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:15

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:15

Hi Fred and Chris

Might be worthwhile looking at:

Thread 62590 - "Seats For Dodgy Back"

There is a response there from Sir Kev & Darkie that maybe of interest for you. I think he had back surgery and the new seat he has proved invaluable to him. Maybe he will post a reply here soon also.

cheers

AnswerID: 332734

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:22

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:22

Thanks for that PradOz. I shall check it out. I know of Kev's afflliction, and if he is listening, I am interested to hear of his solution/results.

Cheers Fred.

FollowupID: 600599

Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:24

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:24

I am here LOL

I have the Stratos LTSS suspension seat fitted to Darkie. If I had the space available I would have gotten the swivel base as well to assist getting in and out of the vehicle.

Have now travelled about 3000km since it has been fitted a couple of trips up to 700km in one go. Very good result in regards to comfort and recovery after the trip.

I am about to travel to the Pyrenees Gathering about 22ookm in 2-3 days then 4wd for a few then return trip. If I didn't have the seat I would not be going or I would take a few more days to get there and return.

They cost a pretty penny but I has enabeled me to enjoy driving again. Would definately do it again, actually I should have done it sooner.

HTH

Cheers Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

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FollowupID: 600600

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:33

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:33

Kev, from the Navy to the Army, BRAVO ZULU mate.
Give us a follow up on the Pyrenees trip mate, we are very interested on your travelling comfort. We know you will have a good time there, but interest lies with the comfort factor.

Cheers from Fred & Chris (Blues all over).

FollowupID: 600604

Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:35

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:35

Fred,

There will be a blog created on my return, I may even work out how to post pics in it LOL

Maybe even a video of Darkie recovering a Nissan ;))

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 600605

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:40

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:40

Go for it mate...CYA when you get back...cant wait or the blog and pics.
Fred.

FollowupID: 600608

Reply By: Philip A - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:26

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:26

Recaro orthopaedic seats.
I have fitted a pair of LSs to my 92 Range Rover and after every 600Km or so day my SWMBO says that they are the best thing I have ever done to the Rangie.
She has weak leg from ruptured disc.
Expensive but worth it.
Regards Philip A

AnswerID: 332739

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:37

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:37

Thanks Phillip. I had Recaro somewhere in my memory bank, and will check out your recommendation.

Cheers from Fred.

FollowupID: 600606

Follow Up By: Topcat (WA) - Friday, Oct 31, 2008 at 17:21

Friday, Oct 31, 2008 at 17:21

Hi Fred, have suffered lower backpain for years which made long driving uncomfortable until I had fitted many years ago the Recaro orthopaedic seats with the lower lumber support. [i.e. an air bag that you pump up so suit your back support] It certainly made driving much more pleasant. Cheers

FollowupID: 600743

Reply By: pling - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:46

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 20:46

I too have fitted Recaro seats to my GU Patrol and the boss claims it is the best thing I have done to the truck.

My son has fitted a pair of 25 year old Scheel seats and they are equal or a fraction better than the Recaro. Unfortunatly I don't think you can buy them now.

AnswerID: 332742

Reply By: rumpig - Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 21:20

Thursday, Oct 30, 2008 at 21:20

i've fitted SAAS pump up lumbar support seats to my 105 series cruiser, best thing i ever did. after 15 odd years working as a carpenter bending over knocking up frames all day my back is pretty shagged, these seats make driving heaps more enjoyable. one downside i will say is they are harder to climb into then the O.E seats were, but once your in you're ready to clock up the klms, misses reckons they are great also as i fitted same seat to the passenger side. i got mine secondhand off of ebay, they don't come up very often. only cost me $500 for the pair which i was happy with, another $50 in steel to make new mounting bases and then $80 i think from memory to get my fourby complianced from a 6 seater to a 5 seater.

AnswerID: 332746

Reply By: Dave Thomson - Friday, Oct 31, 2008 at 14:34

Friday, Oct 31, 2008 at 14:34

Fred & chris good to hear from you as a long term back sufferer I can safely say I've spent well in excess of $12.000 on this problem and still counting mate, as said the only thing I've found so far are the e cell (cost a year ago was $750.00) and the new tens machine ($400.00) they do work and they will both get me there,
hope this helps and if theres any one out there who knows of a better remedy PLEASE let us know,
best wishes,
Dave

AnswerID: 332862