Choosing the right car out of hundreds of different models and segments is difficult, but doing so while experiencing back pains is even more troublesome. If you are constantly experiencing back pains, buying a comfortable and ergonomically designed car becomes a necessity.
As such, a car for people with back pain should benefit from a supple ride, adjustable seating, and especially lumbar support. Extendable leg support can also be beneficial for certain types of back pains. You should also always try to find a car that strikes a perfect balance between seat softness and hardness.
If you don’t want to experience pain from long-distance driving, it’s essential for you to sit in an upright manner. Your spine needs to be properly aligned with the seat in order not to experience any significant amount of deviation from the norm.
You should almost always opt for a larger car as they tend to offer a smoother ride. Cars like the Volvo XC60, Range Rover, BMW X5, Audi Q5, BMW 7-series, Audi A8, Mercedes Benz S-Class, and the Lexus LS are all great vehicles for people with back pain.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo brand has always been known for superior safety and all-around usability. But the latest Volvo luxury SUVs have also shown a great deal of comfort and luxury features. Such is the Volvo XC60, a compact to mid-sized luxury SUV with incredibly supportive seats, easy access, and lots of driving position adjustability.
Besides the ergonomics, the XC60 also offers blind spot assist which comes in handy for people having trouble twisting their backs. Park assist is also available to further smoothen the parking experience. Driving-wise, the XC60 is offered with a smooth, jolt-free automatic transmission, perfect for people who need a seamless driving experience.
BMW X5
The seats offered in the BMW X5 are literally called ‘’Comfort Seats’’ due to the endless amount of multiple ways adjustable seats. They can be moved in every possible direction, cooled, massaged, heated… As such, these seats are often regarded as one of the best seats out of all mid-sized SUVs on the market.
Besides the seats themselves, the way the X5 takes care of uneven surfaces is equally impressive, especially so if you skip the low-profile tires. The X5 also offers blind spot assist and a bunch of additional advanced driver assistance programs, easy access, and lots of visibility.
Range Rover
As far as British luxury SUVs are concerned, the Range Rover certainly is somewhat of a legend in this field. No matter which Range Rover variant you opt for, all of them are offered with a seamless automatic transmission and an incredibly subtle ride.
If you fancy the largest Vogue variant, you are looking at an SUV with a commanding driving position, lots of visibility, huge wing mirrors, and endless seating and steering wheel adjustments. Perhaps the reliability might put you off, but if you maintain your RR as intended, it should serve you effortlessly.
Mercedes Benz S-Class
The Mercedes Benz S-Class is considered a benchmark full-size executive sedan. As such, the S-Class carries lots of luxury and comfort features that propel the S-Class to the very top of the executive full-size luxury segment.
The way the S-Class tackles bumps is otherworldly, and so are the seats and the number of adjustments they offer. It’s really hard to find a luxury sedan feature that has not been perfected with the S-Class. No matter if you consider the W222 or the W223 generation, the S-Class certainly does seem like a perfect car for someone with constant back pains.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is fairly similar to the S-Class as a luxury full-size sedan. It’s not on the same level as the S-Class is, and it also lacks a bit behind the A8 and the 7-Series, but the LS offers something none of these three can, and that’s reliability.
Besides the class-leading reliability, the LS is also an incredibly poised and comfortable luxury sedan. The seats are incredibly adjustable and can be moved in a billion different directions. They are also heated, cooled, and massaged. The transmission is smooth and seamless, and so is the general drivability and all-around usability.
FAQ Section
How to increase the levels of comfort while driving?
First and foremost, you should take full advantage of all the seat adjustments available. It’s also fairly important for you to adjust your seating position every once in a while if you are driving for extended periods of time.
You should also twist your back as least as possible. This means that you should rely on cameras and other driver assistance systems to guide you during parking and checking your blind spots. Opting for a car with an electric tailgate is also a good option.
Why does my back hurt while I’m driving?
There are several different reasons why your back hurts while driving, but the most frequent ones are mostly associated with bad posture and staying in one position for a long time. But these make the biggest impact only if you are driving for extended amounts of time.
If your back hurts even after a short journey, chances are that the pain itself is mostly because of something else. No matter the case, be sure to see a doctor and try to incorporate some form of exercise that should keep you comfortable during longer journeys.
Does the in-car seat massage function do anything?
Massage seats can now be found in almost every reputable luxury car on the market, but more often than not, this function is completely pointless and not worth paying for. There are some cars out there like the BMW 5-Series, Audi E-Tron, and the Porsche Panamera for example that actually do offer a noticeable difference.
It’s always best for you to go and see a true masseur as in-car massage functions are simply not on the same level. Be sure to take care of your back in between long drives as this has proven the most effective way of remedying car-related back pains. Also be sure to test the car out beforehand as well, who knows, you might love in-car massage.