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    Seating position for lower back pain?

    Any recommendations for seating positions for those with lower back pain?

    I’m 6’3” and was just diagnosed with a bulged disk. The pain is worse when driving one of our lower cars (M3/model 3). Hoping to find a solution (in addition to healing my back).

    #2
    I also have a bulging disc, for me, a more upright, 'racing' position works best for me, i commute 1hr+ each way when i take the m3 out, and my back usually feels better leaving the car than when i got in, and even gives me some relief for the following 1-3 hours after driving. I'm about 6', and do feel a bit high in the car even when it is lowered all the way, so not sure how this would work for you being 6'3"

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      #3
      Maybe look for a used set of seats with the adjustable lumbar support option if you dont have it already?
      2002 TiAg M3 Coupe (SMG to 6spd), 2003 Jet Black M5

      https://www.instagram.com/individual_throttle_buddies/

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        #4
        Not gonna lie after all this time I've yet to find a seating position with the stock seats that doesn't leave me with some lower back discomfort after an hour behind the wheel (even when I was in my 20s). Same thing in the E39 and Macan, but much less so in Japanese makes.

        I'm guessing it comes down to the ride stiffness combined with the fact that I tend to sit in a more slouched position where my lower back isn't in an anatomically correct sitting position (i.e.butt forward and curved at the lower back rather than butt back and hinged at the hip). Maybe I just don't have a good enough posture by the standards of German seat engineers 😂

        Curious to hear how others have managed, although consensus seems to be that the stock seats generally just aren't great.
        '04 LSB Coupe 6MT
        All my money goes towards maintenance.

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          #5
          I've struggled w low back pain for years. Physical therapy, chiropractor, Egoscue Method, none provided meaningful relief. Recently I started doing low back extensions at the gym and it has been a game changer. Highly recommend these combined with basic low back stretches throughout the day.

          Stock seats are the worst. Either of these will help. I have both and prefer the travel (inflatable) version. For air travel, it's a must:

          1. https://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Original-McKenzie-Lumbar-Roll/dp/B000H47GCO/ref=asc_df_B000H47GCO?mcid=7d62d0e38c3d3720bee89a7 19195cf2d&hvocijid=7492678008549475668-B000H47GCO-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw = g&hvrand=7492678008549475668&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvq mt =&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061184&h vt argid=pla-2281435180258&th=1

          2. https://www.amazon.com/Original-McKenzie%C2%AE-Self-Inflating-OPTP-710/dp/B001MPXQD0/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2JAZ7DIL52BVQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xLZ S44jsJLgoFQxDU1fiROb_pvttBlrr3mns1OJ-8-bhGn2cm6QofnMMwkgee_W-8esiFADTiWKu_lBbzYSAh7oIfJi03prjrG9MxJa05mPt0YpLDt ys4Fjs525ct08Hv69uJQrGBk9M7hnQ18Dn7w.2rgrEQ-er39neVUd35xyEgl_5qPle5HaTR6dH0f4ERY&dib_tag=se&ke ywords=inflatable+mckenzie&qid=1747200571&s=hpc&sp refix=inflatable+mckenzie%2Chpc%2C152&sr=1-2

          I ended up switching to Recaro Pole Position bucket seats. Much better lumbar support was a bonus.
          Last edited by freshprince2421; 05-13-2025, 09:31 PM.

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            #6
            Buy Recaro Sportster, OEM seats are junk
            GT4 Composites

            2003.5 BMW E46 M3 Laguna Seca Blue / LSB 6mt
            2006 BMW E46 M3 Estoril blue / Black 6mt
            2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 Black

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              #7
              Originally posted by freshprince2421 View Post
              I've struggled w low back pain for years. Physical therapy, chiropractor, Egoscue Method, none provided meaningful relief. Recently I started doing low back extensions at the gym and it has been a game changer. Highly recommend these combined with basic low back stretches throughout the day.
              Hot yoga is your friend. I go four to five days a a week for an hour each session. Room averages 100 to 110.
              3.91 | CMP Subframe & RTAB Bushings | SMG (Relocated & Rebuilt) | ESS Gen 3 Supercharger | Redish | Beisan | GC Coilovers & ARCAs | Imola Interior | RE Rasp | RE Diablo | Storm Motorwerks Paddles | Will ZCPM3 Shift Knob | Apex ARC-8 19x9, 19x9.5 | Sony XAV-AX5000 | BAVSOUND | CSL & 255 SMG Upgrades | Tiag | Vert w/Hardtop

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                #8
                I find Nogaros very comfortable on long drives and lower back after some customization. I bought some rolls of 1/2" and 1" medium density memory foam on Amazon and played around making supports until I found something that worked then covered in some basic black fabric.

                I originally found the seats super uncomfortable because my hips are slightly too wide to full fit deep in the bucket. Adding support to the seat back pushes me forward ever so slightly and the sides still hold me in corners.


                Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by oceansize View Post

                  Hot yoga is your friend. I go four to five days a a week for an hour each session. Room averages 100 to 110.
                  This ^^^

                  Committing to this practice heals what ails you, no joke


                  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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                    #10
                    Do your seats have lumbar adjustment? If so, stick that to max. If no, add a lumbar pillow.

                    2005 IR/IR M3 Coupe
                    2012 LMB/Black 128i
                    2008 Black/Black M5 Sedan

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