Electric Heating Pads

[phoenixtexoma]

Swartzwel inspired me in his recent post about losing his riding passion. Mine is being fed by lower back pain that's killing me after 100-125 miles. Anyone know of an electric heating pad for my lower back that plugs into the standard BMW accessory socket? Will it accept use a standard cigarette lighter or is the BMW plug needed to modify a pad?

[PFFOG]

Chiropractor once a month for a "tune up" fixes my lower back issues, that started in my teens.

That said, don't know af a heating pad, but do see ads for those icy hot patches. And you can buy the waist elastic back supports that might help.

[Droptarotter]

You might even try some heat rubs. There are many available with different degrees of heat.

Good luck.

[Noblehops]

Better core strength is quite often helpful for back pain, as are a clear-eyed look at your habitual ergonomics, at work, play, etc. That said, some **** just hurts on me too after a bit. When I can predict that something will hurt, I preemptively use Advil or Aleve, and that helps a LOT. But don't be habitual with it, that has risk too. Couple times a week max, IMO.

Good luck,

N.

[phoenixtexoma]

I've already tried all versions of the Thermacare and Icy Hot stuff. Works for a while, and then quits. I went about 140 miles today with Thermacare pads on my lower back and upper right thigh. Didn't work past 70-80 miles, hurt like hell the rest of the way. Have tried the chiropractor, that sort of worked for about two weeks. Am gonna try a steroid shot. All failing, another bike.

[flatbutt]

Chiropractic is one thing, but have you had a proper examination to find the cause of the pain?

[wswartzwel]

+1

get some exrays and a good back guy

experiment with different bar settings/seats/ helmets too

have you tried a back support belt. kidney belt like off road riders use. does wonders for me

[phoenixtexoma]

Have had an exam, X-rays, etc. The VA doc and a chiropractor said it was sciatica and a touch of spinal arthritis. The doc recommended a heating pad, and the standard plug-in kind works wonders at home. I just thought one with an auto accessory plug might work while riding and also if a standard cigarette lighter plug would work in my BMW accessory outlet.

[wswartzwel]

I have a 110 volt inverter in my tankbag. it is a high capacity unit with a cooling fan. You might be able to run a heating pad off something like that. Not sure how much current draw you will require.

[tjs]

I have the same lower back problem you describe. Thermocare products heat goes away to fast. I use CVS pharmacy brand. Heat last twice as long. Works great for me in NC winter months. TJS

[PFFOG]

Well if heat it is, are you resourceful??

I went out to my Saab graveyard and pulled out a grid from the heated seats. I made my heated vest out of the same thing 12 years ago. All you need to do is find a back support and either slip this inside if it is 2 layer, or go buy some sweat shirt, or fleece type fabric from the fabric store and sew away.

This piece is made to run in series with the bottom grid, and is electronically controlled in the car, so it needs to be regulated! By itself it draws 15 amps and heats up very fast and very hot. Me being the farmer at heart, would probably try to find an old dash light rheostat to make a controller, and mount it somewhere under the seat with a dedicated cord to the pad. I am sure radio shack might have similar, or there are controllers that Gerbings etc make for there heated clothing that should work.

If you want to give it a shot send me your address, and I will drop it in the mail.

[phoenixtexoma]

Thanks, PFFOG & tjs: I just ordered a set of 12v automotive type heating pads (14" X 14" & 7" X14) for less than $25, and already have a BMW accessory plug. Will cut off the cigarette lighter plug and wire the BMW plug in. The pads heat up to 120 degrees.

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by phoenixtexoma

Thanks, PFFOG & tjs: I just ordered a set of 12v automotive type heating pads (14" X 14" & 7" X14) for less than $25, and already have a BMW accessory plug. Will cut off the cigarette lighter plug and wire the BMW plug in. The pads heat up to 120 degrees.

Great minds think alike

[EenyBear]

EXO2 makes this excellent lower back warmer:
HeatWave Heated Back Support | EXO2 The Heat Inside

I have the EXO2 vest and will never be without one. Quality is superior to any I've tried and they are efficient without being bulky at all. Check the website if you're interested.

It's not about being warm, per se, it's about keeping the muscles from tensing up. Same reason my grips stay on for three seasons. That said, since I started Pilates my additional core strength has solved another part of the equation.


Cheers,
Ian

[herschelckraft1]

Kindey Belt is the best!