For those who cannot get an ergonomic chair and those whose ergonomic chairs are not enough to relieve back pain, there are numerous orthopedic chair accessories on the market. These back pain products help relieve pressure on the spine and relieve tension in the lower back muscles.
Much of the lower back pain experienced today is the result of poor posture, especially for those whose jobs require driving long distances or sitting in an office chair all day. The following back pain products are designed to counteract the ill effects of sitting.
lumbar cushions
When sitting for long periods of time, most people find it difficult to maintain their natural lumbar arch. This is because the weight of your upper body falls on your core muscles, which eventually give out if they’re not conditioned. This allows the shoulders to round and the lower spine to flatten. In this position, the spine is tense and the lower back muscles are forced to support the upper body without the abdominal muscles engaging to help. Lumbar cushions are designed to maintain the natural arch of the lumbar spine, supporting the lower back muscles and promoting proper posture.
Lumbar supports are very helpful for many types of back pain, but not all. People with spinal arthritis, for example, should be careful with these cushions, as improving the arch of the lumbar spine could cause painful compression of the joints.
Amazon customers report general satisfaction with various cushions. Based on their reviews, the two main complaints with lumbar cushions are design and density. Many of these cushions have winged sides; they may not fit properly with a seat that also has winged sides. Some also feel that certain brands are too soft and provide inadequate support. Make sure the chair or seat you’re adding a cushion to will fit it and, if possible, test the density before making a purchase.
wedge cushions
These foam seat cushions have a wedge design that tilts your pelvis forward, relieving pressure on your tailbone. Many of these cushions have a built-in space where your tailbone would rest to facilitate further decompression. Tipping your pelvis forward encourages your spine to maintain its natural S-curve.
Amazon reviewers are very happy with their wedge cushions, but the common complaint concerns density. Some are very firm, while others are very soft. If you are a small person, a softer cushion may be able to provide adequate support, while a firmer one may cause painful compression on the buttocks. For a larger person, a soft cushion can simply flatten out and not tilt the pelvis. Take firmness into account when choosing what to buy.
Comfort seats
Composed of thin plastic or foam, the comfortable seat is designed to cover the buttocks and provide support for the pelvic bones, which serve as the foundation for the spine. In addition to promoting proper posture, this product is designed to support the tailbone. Some comfort seats also tilt the pelvis forward like wedge cushions do, but with a different design.
Based on Amazon and QVC customer product reviews, the main complaint with seats like the Relaxo-Bak is that they can be too big for some users. The plastic can dig into the back of the legs and not match the pelvic bones. Some users prefer Backjoy’s more expensive foam seats to plastic for both comfort and support.
It’s important to remember that these back pain products are designed to help your body temporarily, not to replace core strength. These accessories will only help relieve part of your back pain; true relief comes from solving the problem that caused it. If core weakness is plaguing your back, it will affect your posture when standing and moving. Think of these products as recovery aids, not cures.
To help you decide if these products are right for you, check out http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.qvc.com/ and search for the product you’re interested in. These sites allow you to compare prices and read customer reviews. Most of these accessories are relatively inexpensive and worth a try if your chair or car seat is uncomfortable. Chair accessories can be a helpful addition to your back pain relief plan.
