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My back is KILLING me!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by GuamKelly, Oct 13, 2010.

  1. GuamKelly

    GuamKelly Member

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    Ipan, Guam
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    III
    When I saw several threads on similar subjects, I was skeptical. How could Toyota, a car company which usually gets all the ergonomic details so right, create a seat which is, simply put, unusable?

    And yet, it is. After only a few weeks, and in spite of loving everything else about my 2008 model, I HATE the seats. My back hurts all the time, and I have NEVER had such a problem before.

    I have ordered one of the mesh type lumbar support things from the States. I'm willing to invest in the seat extenders if I have to (at 6' 2" I fit, but it's a little tight). I'll even consider the Wet Okole seat covers with lumbar support. But, Dear God, how did they design such a torture rack and then keep it for YEARS?

    I don't want to get rid of the car, which is wonderful, but I will not live in pain just to drive it. Any and all suggestions short of surgery are welcome!
     
  2. Blizzard10

    Blizzard10 New Member

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    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yup you're right, they simply put unusable seats in there. Unbelievable ain't it?
     
  3. deltron3030

    deltron3030 New Member

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    Lakewood, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The situation plain sucks, it really does.
     
  4. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    I suspect, but have no data to back it up, that all seats have some segment of people that the seats won't work for. I have some fairly serious problems with multiple discs in my back, and am 6'-1" tall, yet the Prius seat works great for me. A few years ago I used a Lexus for a weekend road trip and no matter what I did could not adjust the seat in a way that didn't hurt my back.

    This is no help to you... Unfortunately IMHO if you can't get the seat to work for your body you're better off getting a different car. Your health should always be top priority.
     
  5. Struv

    Struv Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2007
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    Location:
    North Upland
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I am 6'4" and had the same problem as you. Never had a back problem in my life and after a few months of driving the prius I had a bad herniated disk. What solved my problem? Had the complete seat moved back 8 inches by means of a custom fabed seat mount, the existing mount fit into. Within six month of the of the change, my back is back to normal. No more herniated disk...no surgery...which a well respected Neurologist insisted I needed. Also tried all sorts of lumbar supports before doing the seat mount, nothing made a difference.

    Scott



     
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Cycledrum seems to have fixed his seat problem. I would suggest looking for his writeup on the subject and/or send him a PM. :)
     
  7. biff_debris

    biff_debris WOOF!

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    The Obus Forme seat thing works for me. I hate riding in my wife's car without it. I got both the back support and seat cushion.
     
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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