Help might have to sell my back is killing me

[Georgethedog]

I recently bought a 2005 Race Yellow Viper (~35K miles), one owner great car, but I am getting major back aches the day after I drive it. I have spinal stenosis so I use a wedge cushion to keep me from falling to far into the hole that is the bottom back of the seat, but that is not enough. It's always the day after I drive it. Maybe it is the constant bumping around when these things hit road imperfections?

Has anyone else had issues with back aches? Mine is so bad now that my Doc put me on steroids and I am likely going to miss my first week on bowling.

I may have to sell it. I bought it for $51K and put new tires on it and a new battery. If I can't find a solution I would likely be looking to get out of it for what I have in it.

Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks, Georgethedog

[J TNT]

Upgraded suspension to MCS may help. Or is the clutch pedal giving you issues ???

[Georgethedog]

Clutch pedal is fine. When I drive it my back doesn't hurt because I filled to hole with that cushion. I really think it is the constant jarring. I used to go to this one PT and she would push on my lower back to manipulate it, and not near as jarring as a Viper ride, and the next day it would hurt so I quit going to that PT.

I'll have to look into MCS. I do not know anything about it. Thanks!

[J TNT]

They have different versions single adjustable to fully adjustable. You can spec different spring rates. I suspect single adjustable is all you need with the right Spring Rate. I bought mine from Woodhouse (Mark Jorgensen). He maybe able to help you with them If you have a Gen 3 check you don’t have Run Flats. They are crap.

[Steve-Indy]

As I am not without personal experience in this general area...Before you throw in the towel on your new Viper, I would consider:

Checking tire pressures as some shops have been known to inflate them way above 29 psi.

Next, have your shocks checked...could easily be worthless by now. If bad, rebuild, replace, or substitute type as necessary...and within budget.

See an experienced neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spinal issues for evaluation and possible treatment options.

Best of luck to you !!

[gfviperman]

Dump the run-flats!!!

[Georgethedog]

Not run flats. I just bought Continental Extreme Contact from JonB. The slightly oversized ones.

[Georgethedog]

As I am not without personal experience in this general area...Before you throw in the towel on your new Viper, I would consider:

Checking tire pressures as some shops have been known to inflate them way above 29 psi.

Next, have your shocks checked...could easily be worthless by now. If bad, rebuild, replace, or substitute type as necessary...and within budget.

See an experienced neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spinal issues for evaluation and possible treatment options.


Best of luck to you !!

Hi Steve, Good advice. I will make some calls on Tuesday. This thing does ride rougher than my 2003 that I had back around 2010.

[Gen2man]

Try reclining the seat back more than what you think is comfortable.

[City]

Meds! I deal with stenosis and neuropathy.

Meds my friend.

[Fatboy 18]

Trade the car in for a Gen V ACR-E

[GreenVenom]

6 back and 2 neck surgeries here plus a Myopathy and Neuropathy effecting the waist down and several other things so hopefully what helps me in my stock 08 may steer you to a better ride.
I left the seat at the factory height for the support under the legs. Seat more level and back more upright (no slouching) has allowed me to drive as long as I want, with several 10-12 hour drives in the past being no problem.

[Georgethedog]

6 back and 2 neck surgeries here plus a Myopathy and Neuropathy effecting the waist down and several other things so hopefully what helps me in my stock 08 may steer you to a better ride.
I left the seat at the factory height for the support under the legs. Seat more level and back more upright (no slouching) has allowed me to drive as long as I want, with several 10-12 hour drives in the past being no problem.

Thanks. That gives me hope! I was thinking of having the local auto upholstery shop make a custom cushion that would flatten out the bottom hole making the seat bottom as flat as possible--they would have to make me something for the lower back as I would be sitting up higher on the seatback, but I am sure they can do that. I was also thinking of having them take out some of the cushion right at the end of the seat bottom so there is not pressure under my hamstrings which also is something that has always bothered my back. Maybe I can fit my Buick Enclave seat in the car... well, I guess not likely!

Anytime I drive something that puts my arse in a hole I have issues right away within minutes with either sciatic pain or my foot going numb. That's why I daily drive a 2012 Buick Enclave as it's one of the few cars where the bottom of the seat can adjust to be perfectly flat like a bench. This is my best seating position with my particular back issues. I didn't have those issues with this car because I have used a wedge cushion to flatten things out some, but I think it's the slouching in the seat you mention along with the jarring from bumps while I'm slouching that's doing it. I'm looking into an MCS dampers for the suspension, too. It's got new tires at 28psi so I'm good there.

I love the car so I would like to keep it!