Jay Somerset

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:21:24 -0000, "5potnoodle" <leesehold@COLDmail.com>
wrote:

> I used to get back pain after a long drive until quite by coincidence I
> changed the mattress on my bed for one of those new foam type ones... can't
> remember what back pain is anymore.

Anything that reduces spinal trauma will help. But while in the car,
continue with a "healthy" posture. You will thak yourself several years
from now.

>
> Ian
>
> "Dennis" <dennis.gautreau@verizon.net> wrote in message
> newsDLKd.3893$g_3.3578@trndny08...
> >I had a similar issue with my A6 except it was my lower back. I'd been
> >driving A6's and 100's for 7 years putting on approximately 55-60K per year
> >due to my commute. I had a 91 100, 92 100s, and a 98 A6 Avant. The thing
> >is, they all had the same exact seats! I'm not a tall guy, only 5'9" but I
> >was experiencing pretty severe back pain every day. My remedy was to buy an
> >A8! It's like sitting in a recliner and since I bought it, I haven't had
> >any back pain at all!
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> > Chas wrote:
> >> "JJ" <jakervik@comcast.net> wrote in message
> >> newsYWdncSLv9d952TcRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> >>
> >>>My A4 has ruined my life. I have extreme leg pain from this vehicle. My
> >>>leg is numb and aches...every time I drive...I guess....being
> >>>tall......is NOT a good thing. I had a passat....not problems...but I
> >>>think this vehicle is very close to the Jetta.......
> >>
> >>
> >> Odd thing, I'm only 6' and my right leg used to ache terribly after
> >> driving my A4 for more than an hour or so. Took me a while to notice the
> >> culprit - for a while I thought was just getting old!! Then I spent
> >> about 9 hours in my A4 over a couple of days and could hardly stand the
> >> next day!!!
> >>
> >> IMO, I think the main problem was there being very little 'spring' (or
> >> feedback) in the gas pedal, causing ny foot to be lightly balanced,
> >> causing tension especially down the lower leg.
> >>
> >> I now drive a Ford Galaxy, which apart from a completely different
> >> driving position also has an accelerator that has more positive feedback
> >> and you can 'rest' your foot on - but need to press hard to go faster. I
> >> haven't noticed *any* pain since.
> >>
> >> FWIW my brother-in-law, who is 6'5" does about 2,500 miles a month in his
> >> 03 Passat (basically an earlier A4) and I've never heard him say anything
> >> other than how comfortable it is.
>

--
Jay.
(remove dashes for legal email address)

Jay Somerset

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:21:24 -0000, "5potnoodle" <leesehold@COLDmail.com>
wrote:

> I used to get back pain after a long drive until quite by coincidence I
> changed the mattress on my bed for one of those new foam type ones... can't
> remember what back pain is anymore.

Anything that reduces spinal trauma will help. But while in the car,
continue with a "healthy" posture. You will thak yourself several years
from now.

>
> Ian
>
> "Dennis" <dennis.gautreau@verizon.net> wrote in message
> newsDLKd.3893$g_3.3578@trndny08...
> >I had a similar issue with my A6 except it was my lower back. I'd been
> >driving A6's and 100's for 7 years putting on approximately 55-60K per year
> >due to my commute. I had a 91 100, 92 100s, and a 98 A6 Avant. The thing
> >is, they all had the same exact seats! I'm not a tall guy, only 5'9" but I
> >was experiencing pretty severe back pain every day. My remedy was to buy an
> >A8! It's like sitting in a recliner and since I bought it, I haven't had
> >any back pain at all!
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> > Chas wrote:
> >> "JJ" <jakervik@comcast.net> wrote in message
> >> newsYWdncSLv9d952TcRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> >>
> >>>My A4 has ruined my life. I have extreme leg pain from this vehicle. My
> >>>leg is numb and aches...every time I drive...I guess....being
> >>>tall......is NOT a good thing. I had a passat....not problems...but I
> >>>think this vehicle is very close to the Jetta.......
> >>
> >>
> >> Odd thing, I'm only 6' and my right leg used to ache terribly after
> >> driving my A4 for more than an hour or so. Took me a while to notice the
> >> culprit - for a while I thought was just getting old!! Then I spent
> >> about 9 hours in my A4 over a couple of days and could hardly stand the
> >> next day!!!
> >>
> >> IMO, I think the main problem was there being very little 'spring' (or
> >> feedback) in the gas pedal, causing ny foot to be lightly balanced,
> >> causing tension especially down the lower leg.
> >>
> >> I now drive a Ford Galaxy, which apart from a completely different
> >> driving position also has an accelerator that has more positive feedback
> >> and you can 'rest' your foot on - but need to press hard to go faster. I
> >> haven't noticed *any* pain since.
> >>
> >> FWIW my brother-in-law, who is 6'5" does about 2,500 miles a month in his
> >> 03 Passat (basically an earlier A4) and I've never heard him say anything
> >> other than how comfortable it is.
>

--
Jay.
(remove dashes for legal email address)

Jay Somerset

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:21:24 -0000, "5potnoodle" <leesehold@COLDmail.com>
wrote:

> I used to get back pain after a long drive until quite by coincidence I
> changed the mattress on my bed for one of those new foam type ones... can't
> remember what back pain is anymore.

Anything that reduces spinal trauma will help. But while in the car,
continue with a "healthy" posture. You will thak yourself several years
from now.

>
> Ian
>
> "Dennis" <dennis.gautreau@verizon.net> wrote in message
> newsDLKd.3893$g_3.3578@trndny08...
> >I had a similar issue with my A6 except it was my lower back. I'd been
> >driving A6's and 100's for 7 years putting on approximately 55-60K per year
> >due to my commute. I had a 91 100, 92 100s, and a 98 A6 Avant. The thing
> >is, they all had the same exact seats! I'm not a tall guy, only 5'9" but I
> >was experiencing pretty severe back pain every day. My remedy was to buy an
> >A8! It's like sitting in a recliner and since I bought it, I haven't had
> >any back pain at all!
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> > Chas wrote:
> >> "JJ" <jakervik@comcast.net> wrote in message
> >> newsYWdncSLv9d952TcRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> >>
> >>>My A4 has ruined my life. I have extreme leg pain from this vehicle. My
> >>>leg is numb and aches...every time I drive...I guess....being
> >>>tall......is NOT a good thing. I had a passat....not problems...but I
> >>>think this vehicle is very close to the Jetta.......
> >>
> >>
> >> Odd thing, I'm only 6' and my right leg used to ache terribly after
> >> driving my A4 for more than an hour or so. Took me a while to notice the
> >> culprit - for a while I thought was just getting old!! Then I spent
> >> about 9 hours in my A4 over a couple of days and could hardly stand the
> >> next day!!!
> >>
> >> IMO, I think the main problem was there being very little 'spring' (or
> >> feedback) in the gas pedal, causing ny foot to be lightly balanced,
> >> causing tension especially down the lower leg.
> >>
> >> I now drive a Ford Galaxy, which apart from a completely different
> >> driving position also has an accelerator that has more positive feedback
> >> and you can 'rest' your foot on - but need to press hard to go faster. I
> >> haven't noticed *any* pain since.
> >>
> >> FWIW my brother-in-law, who is 6'5" does about 2,500 miles a month in his
> >> 03 Passat (basically an earlier A4) and I've never heard him say anything
> >> other than how comfortable it is.
>

--
Jay.
(remove dashes for legal email address)

Dave LaCourse

Jay writes:

>On 29 Jan 2005 17:53:25 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:
>
>> Jay writes:
>>
>> >Also, set the steering wheel to
>> >keep your elbows bent quite a bit. The "sports car straight arm" posture
>> >will strain your neck, and this may be the source of the pinched nerve.
>>
>> The best way to find seat position is to adjust the seat so that when your
>> shoulders are against the seat back and your arms extended, your wrist
>should
>> be resting on the top of the steering wheel. This technique is taught in
>many
>> performance driving schools.

>
>This is exactly the problem! This used to be favored for "performance
>driving" but not as much these days. However, the point is that we are
>seeking a strain-free seat position, particularly for someone with lower
>back/sciatic problems. The straight-arm posture is exceedingly hard on the
>cervical and lumbar regions.

Uhhhh, where did I say "straight arm" in my advice? It isn't there. And, if
you adjust your seat so that you *are* comfortable *and* your wrists hang over
the top of the steering wheel, your arms will have a very comfortable position.
They will NOT be straight armed, but have a fairly good bend in them. *And*
they will be comfortable. Try it.

Dave
RS6

Dave LaCourse

Jay writes:

>On 29 Jan 2005 17:53:25 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:
>
>> Jay writes:
>>
>> >Also, set the steering wheel to
>> >keep your elbows bent quite a bit. The "sports car straight arm" posture
>> >will strain your neck, and this may be the source of the pinched nerve.
>>
>> The best way to find seat position is to adjust the seat so that when your
>> shoulders are against the seat back and your arms extended, your wrist
>should
>> be resting on the top of the steering wheel. This technique is taught in
>many
>> performance driving schools.

>
>This is exactly the problem! This used to be favored for "performance
>driving" but not as much these days. However, the point is that we are
>seeking a strain-free seat position, particularly for someone with lower
>back/sciatic problems. The straight-arm posture is exceedingly hard on the
>cervical and lumbar regions.

Uhhhh, where did I say "straight arm" in my advice? It isn't there. And, if
you adjust your seat so that you *are* comfortable *and* your wrists hang over
the top of the steering wheel, your arms will have a very comfortable position.
They will NOT be straight armed, but have a fairly good bend in them. *And*
they will be comfortable. Try it.

Dave
RS6

Dave LaCourse

Jay writes:

>On 29 Jan 2005 17:53:25 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:
>
>> Jay writes:
>>
>> >Also, set the steering wheel to
>> >keep your elbows bent quite a bit. The "sports car straight arm" posture
>> >will strain your neck, and this may be the source of the pinched nerve.
>>
>> The best way to find seat position is to adjust the seat so that when your
>> shoulders are against the seat back and your arms extended, your wrist
>should
>> be resting on the top of the steering wheel. This technique is taught in
>many
>> performance driving schools.

>
>This is exactly the problem! This used to be favored for "performance
>driving" but not as much these days. However, the point is that we are
>seeking a strain-free seat position, particularly for someone with lower
>back/sciatic problems. The straight-arm posture is exceedingly hard on the
>cervical and lumbar regions.

Uhhhh, where did I say "straight arm" in my advice? It isn't there. And, if
you adjust your seat so that you *are* comfortable *and* your wrists hang over
the top of the steering wheel, your arms will have a very comfortable position.
They will NOT be straight armed, but have a fairly good bend in them. *And*
they will be comfortable. Try it.

Dave
RS6

Jay Somerset

On 30 Jan 2005 18:03:56 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:

> Jay writes:
>
> >On 29 Jan 2005 17:53:25 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:
> >
> >> Jay writes:
> >>
> >> >Also, set the steering wheel to
> >> >keep your elbows bent quite a bit. The "sports car straight arm" posture
> >> >will strain your neck, and this may be the source of the pinched nerve.
> >>
> >> The best way to find seat position is to adjust the seat so that when your
> >> shoulders are against the seat back and your arms extended, your wrist
> >should
> >> be resting on the top of the steering wheel. This technique is taught in
> >many
> >> performance driving schools.
>
> >
> >This is exactly the problem! This used to be favored for "performance
> >driving" but not as much these days. However, the point is that we are
> >seeking a strain-free seat position, particularly for someone with lower
> >back/sciatic problems. The straight-arm posture is exceedingly hard on the
> >cervical and lumbar regions.
>
> Uhhhh, where did I say "straight arm" in my advice? It isn't there. And, if
> you adjust your seat so that you *are* comfortable *and* your wrists hang over
> the top of the steering wheel, your arms will have a very comfortable position.
> They will NOT be straight armed, but have a fairly good bend in them. *And*
> they will be comfortable. Try it.

What you quoted was close enough to "straight arm" to cause stress. Even
with wrists resting on top of the wheel, arms will still be extended too
much for many people. I stand by my advice.

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--
Jay.
(remove dashes for legal email address)

Jay Somerset

On 30 Jan 2005 18:03:56 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:

> Jay writes:
>
> >On 29 Jan 2005 17:53:25 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:
> >
> >> Jay writes:
> >>
> >> >Also, set the steering wheel to
> >> >keep your elbows bent quite a bit. The "sports car straight arm" posture
> >> >will strain your neck, and this may be the source of the pinched nerve.
> >>
> >> The best way to find seat position is to adjust the seat so that when your
> >> shoulders are against the seat back and your arms extended, your wrist
> >should
> >> be resting on the top of the steering wheel. This technique is taught in
> >many
> >> performance driving schools.
>
> >
> >This is exactly the problem! This used to be favored for "performance
> >driving" but not as much these days. However, the point is that we are
> >seeking a strain-free seat position, particularly for someone with lower
> >back/sciatic problems. The straight-arm posture is exceedingly hard on the
> >cervical and lumbar regions.
>
> Uhhhh, where did I say "straight arm" in my advice? It isn't there. And, if
> you adjust your seat so that you *are* comfortable *and* your wrists hang over
> the top of the steering wheel, your arms will have a very comfortable position.
> They will NOT be straight armed, but have a fairly good bend in them. *And*
> they will be comfortable. Try it.

What you quoted was close enough to "straight arm" to cause stress. Even
with wrists resting on top of the wheel, arms will still be extended too
much for many people. I stand by my advice.

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--
Jay.
(remove dashes for legal email address)

Jay Somerset

On 30 Jan 2005 18:03:56 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:

> Jay writes:
>
> >On 29 Jan 2005 17:53:25 GMT, davplac@aol.comPirate (Dave LaCourse) wrote:
> >
> >> Jay writes:
> >>
> >> >Also, set the steering wheel to
> >> >keep your elbows bent quite a bit. The "sports car straight arm" posture
> >> >will strain your neck, and this may be the source of the pinched nerve.
> >>
> >> The best way to find seat position is to adjust the seat so that when your
> >> shoulders are against the seat back and your arms extended, your wrist
> >should
> >> be resting on the top of the steering wheel. This technique is taught in
> >many
> >> performance driving schools.
>
> >
> >This is exactly the problem! This used to be favored for "performance
> >driving" but not as much these days. However, the point is that we are
> >seeking a strain-free seat position, particularly for someone with lower
> >back/sciatic problems. The straight-arm posture is exceedingly hard on the
> >cervical and lumbar regions.
>
> Uhhhh, where did I say "straight arm" in my advice? It isn't there. And, if
> you adjust your seat so that you *are* comfortable *and* your wrists hang over
> the top of the steering wheel, your arms will have a very comfortable position.
> They will NOT be straight armed, but have a fairly good bend in them. *And*
> they will be comfortable. Try it.

What you quoted was close enough to "straight arm" to cause stress. Even
with wrists resting on top of the wheel, arms will still be extended too
much for many people. I stand by my advice.

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--
Jay.
(remove dashes for legal email address)

Dave LaCourse

Jay Somerset writes:

>What you quoted was close enough to "straight arm" to cause stress. Even
>with wrists resting on top of the wheel, arms will still be extended too
>much for many people. I stand by my advice.

You're reading skills need help, Jay. Nowhere did I say that you should rest
your wrists on the top of the wheel while driving.

Let me try again, and I'll try to be more explicit for you.

To find the correct (racing or street driving) seating postion, get comfortable
in your seat. Then, extend your arms over the top of the wheel. Your wrists
should rest on top of the wheel. This is a *measurement only*!!! NOTE: *This
is NOT the driving position of the hands!* If your wrists can rest on the top
of the wheel from your *comfortable* seating position, your arms are ready to
drive the car. Now, comes the tricky part: remove your wrists from the top of
the wheel and place your hands at three and nine (Note: Three is for the
RIGHT hand, while nine is for the LEFT hand.) At this driving postion you are
not only comfortable but you can steer the car properly. In this *proper*
seating/steering position, it is possible to make a complete half turn of the
wheel without lifting your hands from the 3 and 9 position. If you need more
wheel than that, chances are you are already in a world of and no steering
will help! (Think brakes at this time, Jay! And screaming too!) Also, if you
like to shuffle steer, (I don't) this position is ideal.

I hope this has cleared up any misunderstanding. <sigh>

I've taught this measurement method to just about every police officer in
Vermont, The Vermont Police Academy, lots in Massachusetts State Troopers
(Troup E on the Mass Pike), some in Maryland, the RCMP in Regina, Saskatchawan,
The Marshall Service, any number of body guards (including Henry Kissenger's),
EMTs, fleet drivers, teens, and just plain old ordinary people.

It works!

Dave
RS6