An often overlooked piece of the unexplained backache puzzle is your cars seat and some of the most expensive cars can be some of the worst. Are you driving around in a back torture machine and don’t even know it? Here’s an easy fix!

Of all the car manufacturers, German cars tend to be the worst for causing back problems while American made cars are not usually much better.

The best seats for back support comes from Japanese manufacturers with the Swedish manufacturers of the Saab and Volvo coming in at a close second.

When you are in the market for a new car, look for one that has adjustable lumbar support. When you are test driving a car, all of your senses are working together to help that salesperson close the deal. You hear the engine, you see the beautiful interior, you feel the soft leather, the fragrances of new car urging you to sign the papers but one thing that you may not be paying enough attention to is the seating. Spend time just sitting in the car, adjust the lumbar support to it’s lowest setting and slowly adjust up from there until you find the right support. You will spend a significant part of your life behind the wheel, make sure it’s a comfortable part of your life as well that won’t lead to back troubles.

If you have an American manufactured car that did not come with lumbar support, don’t worry, you can usually fix this by making your own lumbar support right at your kitchen table.

Most of the vehicles manufactured in the U.S. have zippers on the seats which will allow you to insert your newly crafted lumbar support. As long as you have the zippers that will allow you access to slip it inside, you can continue.

Creating your Own Lumbar Support

Purchase a cushion of highly resilient foam. You are looking for something between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 lb. foam. It should have an indent load deflection between thirty and forty lbs. You should be able to find this at your local upholstery business and they can help you select the right foam for your lumbar project. You might even get them to help with this next step if you would rather not do it yourself.

Using an electric carving knife, cut out a 5.5″(width) x 1″(thickness) strip from your foam cushion to get started, then trim it on down to fit the actual width of your cars seat. Before inserting into your seat, bevel the edge of the foam so that it has a rounded edge and won’t just bunch up when you pull your seats cover back down over it.

When inserting, you want to position the foam so that it rests at your belt line. Many people adjust to fit the small of their back and this is not the best position for proper support.

Zip the cover up over your newly installed lumbar support system and go for a drive.

Note: You can purchase a pre-made car seat lumbar support, but the one you make yourself for less than $5 works just as well.