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Cushioning the Ride

How to watch your back ... and other parts of your anatomy For as many hours a week as the average Silicon Valley commuter spends sunk in that upholstered hell known as the driver's seat, it's essential that it be reasonably comfortable. If you're one of the lucky ones who drives a Lexus with heated, body-contoured, ergonomic Smart-seats, turn the page; but for the motorist who's hoping to crest the millennium in that 10-year-old Honda, read on. The Tibetan yak-hair throw Aunt Edith brought back from her last Himalayan trek may look pretty in the front seat, but it isn't doing a whole heck of a lot for the vertebrae. And those ubiquitous beaded seat covers so popular among New York City taxi cab drivers? They supposedly offer a perpetual massage--although judging by the shaky mental states of Big Apple cabbies, this is a dubious claim. Luckily, ergonomics is a burgeoning industry, and the tush-people have poured their hearts and minds into creating the perfect pillow for the postmodern posterior. Here's a diverse collection of specialized lumbar-support backrests and cushions designed to absorb the spine-rattling, mind-numbing vibrations of driving. Sacro-Ease fitted posture seat--supports hips and back, relieves pressure on the lumbar region ($79-$150) Relaxor Body Comfort--a cervical/lumbar massaging seat cushion with soothing heat, five motors and 12 settings that plugs into the cigarette adapter of your car ($89.95) BackSavers Wonder Cushion--an open-cell, temperature-sensitive foam pad that conforms to your body ($59) Tush-Cush orthopedic seat cushion--a simple wedge-shaped piece of foam designed to minimize discomforts associated with sitting ($25-$49.95) Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll--low-tech bliss in the foam equivalent of a rolled-up towel ($15.95) Embrace Air Cushion--an inflatable, movable air chamber varies the amount of lumbar support ($75.00) Tempurpedic Seat Wedge Cushion--a pressure-relieving, visco-elastic foam that molds to your shape ($65) Wing Back support cushion--provides back and side support to help correct posture while supporting the lower back. Three sizes ($19-$40). Where to find these items? Here are a couple of local stores and some useful websites. (TM) Relax the Back Store 3248 Stevens Creek Blvd, SJ (408/244-6917); McCarthy Ranch, 142 Ranch Dr, Milpitas (408/934-5810) The Back and Neck Support Store Internet shopping at 10 percent to 15 percent off retail. PainReliever.com 888/498-8587. Internet mail-order discount health products outlet. [ Almanac Index | Metro | MetroActive Central | Archives ]