Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 22:16:42 -0500 From: David Ingram <dingramnopsamsnet.net> Subject: Re: Saab 95 and pain in right leg
What kinds of other cars do you drive? Leg pain can originate in the lower back -- if you're accustomed to the seating position of Japanese and American cars (which is a couple inches lower, resulting in a much straighter leg position), perhaps the higher position of the Saab seat is having unfavorable effects on your lower lumbar muscles. Ordinarily, I consider Saab seats an irrefutable advantage on the physical side. Their increased thigh support and higher, straighter posture are more natural and better for circulation, etc. Perhaps if you've become used to another posture, or something in your physical type is different than the statistical norm, these seats are not best for you. Alternatively, it's possible the seat is not set high enough for you. Some people move the seat lower, but the highest you can sit comfortably is generally best. Think about it -- your greatest power and control comes when you are firmly planted, standing up on both feet about shoulder width apart. The more reclined your position, the more you must work the extremities in order to do the same amount of work, resulting in more strain and fatigue. Try raising or lowering the seat, being sure the thigh support is not so great it interferes with your ability to fully depress the pedals. Note that proper driving posture is when your legs are slightly bent when pedals are fully depressed, and your arms are relaxed and only slightly bent when grasping the steering wheel at 9 and 3. This will inevitably result in a slightly more upright seatback than many people expect. Don't make it so straight that the seat cannot actually support your back however. If you're too inclined in the seatback, every motion you undertake in driving the car will strain your lower back. To compensate for lower back strain, it's a natural reaction for your legs to attempt to hold your body up, which could explain your leg pain. See if you notice undue tension in your legs as you drive down the road. Hope this helps!! Terry Staler wrote: > > I've had a 95 for about 6 months now. Whenever I drive it, my right leg > starts hurting. I've adjusted the seat every-which-way, but pain never seems > to lessen. Only thing that saves the day is using cruise control. > > Anyone else experience this? It only happens in the Saab. I'm OK when > driving other cars. > > Thanks....Terry
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