Low back pain can make for an agonizing driving experience. Fortunately, certain vehicle features can help minimize discomfort. Smooth ride quality is important, since a rough or "bouncy" ride can exacerbate back pain. All other things being equal, larger vehicle models tend to offer smoother rides than smaller ones. And the right seats can significantly enhance comfort. The best seats for sore backs are those that offer adequate lumbar support, leg support and a high degree of adjustability. The following models excel in delivering ride comfort and seat features that support aching backs. Within the luxury segment, the Lexus brand is known for unruffled ride quality that's especially back-friendly. Lexus sedans such as the GS 350 and flagship LS 460 also feature seats that have a wide range of adjustments. The GS 350 features a standard 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, says Lexus spokesperson Allison Takahashi, and the LS 460 offers an even wider range of settings.

"The LS 460 features a standard 16-way power driver seat with fore/aft slide, up/down, seat cushion front-tilt up/down, seat cushion height up/down, seat cushion firmness, cushion length, lumbar support and fore/aft recline adjustments," she says. Mercedes-Benz models like the E-Class sedan and wagon, GL-Class SUV and S-Class sedan provide serene ride comfort and agreeable seats, especially with the available multicontour driver seat. "Our active multicontour seat features inflatable air chambers that allow a driver to adjust the seat to suit his or her physique," says Christian Bokich with Mercedes-Benz Product and Technology Communications. These seats come recommended by AGR, a German spinal health organization, he says. Certain Mercedes-Benz models also feature massaging seats, Bokich says. Most notably, the S-Class offers a massage setting that incorporates the seat's heating elements to simulate hot-stone massage. While BMW is known for building models that emphasize sportiness, certain choices in the lineup deliver this engaging driving experience without compromising ride comfort.

The BMW 3 Series boasts a smooth ride quality and well-designed seats that feature a multitude of adjustments. Volvo is perhaps best known for its achievements in the area of safety, but the manufacturer also has a reputation for crafting vehicles that boast supremely comfortable seats. used computer chair torontoThe S60 sedan and XC60 SUV are just two examples of Volvos with back-coddling seating.chair cover rental atlanta ga "Volvo seats have been praised by our owners for years," says Joe Haslem, Volvo brand manager. koken barber chair vintageThe seats in the S60 and XC60 were developed by orthopedic specialists to provide outstanding comfort and support during long drives, he says.table and chairs for sale in oxford

Among more affordable models, the Ford Fusion and Ford Focus offer refined ride quality and seats that remain agreeable even on long road trips. "Ford designers make it a priority to craft seats that respect the natural curve of the spine," says Chris Terry with Ford Product Communications. antique office chair melbourne"'Great to sit in' is what makes a Ford a Ford."party chair rentals chennai The Nissan Altima's specially engineered "zero-gravity" front seats are the product of NASA research, says Nissan spokesman Dan Passe. These seats provide continuous support from the pelvis to the chest to help reduce muscular and spinal loads, he says. "It's a design that fosters improved blood flow, thereby helping reduce fatigue during long periods behind the wheel." "Zero-gravity" seats are also available in the Nissan Rogue and the 2015 Nissan Murano, says Passe.

Those in the market for SUVs should check out the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. Built on the same platform, these models all feature accommodating seats and amenable ride quality. Buick did extensive testing on the Enclave, says Lauren Indiveri, a Buick publicist. "Our engineering team tested the seats on people of all shapes, sizes, heights and weights" to help ensure driver comfort, she says. While larger models travel the road in a smoother, more back-friendly way than smaller ones, there are choices in the compact segment that make good companions for drivers with back problems. The Chevrolet Sonic and Volkswagen Golf both provide composed ride quality and seats that can be angled and tilted for maximum comfort. Another strong pick in the small-car segment is the Buick Verano, which has been praised for its comfort since its introduction, according to Indiveri. More than 1,000 hours of development were invested to design seats that remain comfortable even on long road trips, she says.

For more on shopping for vehicles designed to minimize back pain, please read: "Car Features for Drivers with Back Pain"Back to Live Better While sitting may seem like common sense (after all, you’ve been sitting your whole life), if you experience back pain or shoulder pain or headaches after a day at the office, your style of sitting could be contributing to your problems. Sitting for too many hours—at work, in the car, or in front of the TV—can take a toll on your body’s muscles and joints, especially if you slouch or sit with your legs crossed or one leg under your butt. Here’s why: Your spine has curves that act as shock absorbers. When you sit, you round your spine, which eliminates the curves. This creates an unequal distribution of pressure along your spine and back. Over time and with poor sitting habits, this extra pressure can lead to tension headaches, disc problems, and pain in your lower back and shoulders. Check out the keys to proper sitting technique below, then continue reading to see if you’re guilty of one of the four common seated positions that can hurt your body.

These popular seated positions may be wreaking havoc on your body. Crossing Legs at the Knee When you sit with your legs crossed, you irritate the area around your fibular head, just below the knee, which can pinch the peronial nerve. Crossing your legs also alters your pelvic position, placing additional pressure on your hip muscles and sciatic nerve. This throws off your SI (sacroiliac) joint and pelvis, which attach to your lower back, and can lead to long-term nerve irritation and back pain. The fix: First, do your best to keep your legs uncrossed. If you find yourself sitting with your legs crossed, do the Leg Cradle - Supine. This movement helps stretch out your hip muscles that can tighten up from sitting in this position. Slouching is common in people with desk jobs. When you slouch, your head pushes forward and out of alignment, which makes your muscles work harder to hold it up. This pressure puts stress on your shoulders and neck and can lead to tension headaches.

A slouched position also puts extra pressure on an already compressed spine, leading to lower back pain. strongPut a pop-up reminder on your computer telling you to stand up and do a posture check. This will help you become more aware of your sitting position. You can also use a lumbar roll or a small towel in the small of your back to maintain a more upright posture. Add the upward dog yoga position and Standing Y's and T's to your fitness routine to extend your upper body and lower back. Crossing Legs Under Each Other Placing your legs under one another in a bent position, often referred to as pretzel-style, rotates your hip and knee joints in a way that puts pressure on them. This can lead to tight hamstrings and knee and hip pain. Over time, it can irritate the meniscus cartilage in the knee and put added stress on the hip capsule from the constant rotation. strong If you find yourself sitting pretzel-style, quickly untwist your legs. Aim to break this habit over time.