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Back and neck support cushions are most commonly made of foam. The foam comes in different densities with differing amounts of softness or firmness. Some supports are inflatable. This makes them
ideal for packing into a suitcase or bag for travelling.
CONTOURED BACK CUSHIONS
Most back supports are contoured so that they mould to the lumbar area of the back (lower back). The lumbar spine
has a normal forward curve known as the lumbar lordiosis. When you sit this normal curve flattens. If you sit slouched in a chair the lumbar area flattens further or can even curve the other way.
If you
sit with a poor posture for a long time you may develop backache. This is due to prolonged stress on ligaments and joints in your back. If you have had a previous back injury you are more likely to develop
backache and discomfort.
Use a back support cushion which has lumbar support to help maintain some lumbar lordiosis in sitting. This can help to prevent pain and discomfort caused by poor posture.
There are many different back support cushions available. They include:
LUMBAR ROLLS
These are cylindrical or 1/2 cylindrical shaped supports. Place them between the lower back (lumbar spine) and
the chair when you are sitting. Some lumbar supports have straps which will allow the supports to be attached to the chair.
CONTOURED FOAM BACK SUPPORTS
These differ in length, width, shape and the
amount of support they provide. Most will have a contoured lumbar area to support the lower back. Some have differing amounts of side support (also known as side flanks) to give sideways support to the spine.
Some long back supports also support the head and neck. They are contoured in the neck area to the normal neck spinal curves.
ADJUSTABLE BACK SUPPORTS
Some back cushions are adjustable. Additional
covered foam pieces can be attached to the main support to change the contours and shape of the support at certain regions (eg. the lumbar area). These are attached to the main cushion with velcro.
Another adjustable back support has an inflatable air bag inside the foam cushion. The air bladder can be inflated or deflated to differing volumes. As people have differing degrees of curve in the back and
neck the back support cushions can be altered to individual needs.
METAL FRAME BACK SUPPORT
There is a contoured metal frame back support available which uses a strong yet comfortable mesh attached
to the frame. The frame is contoured to the normal spinal curves. The mesh allows good air movement which is cooler than foam.
BACK MASSAGE CUSHION
This cushion is battery operated which vibrates and
massages the back. Some people find this massaging action assists in relieving tension and pain.
LEG RELAXERS
These are large foam cushions that are designed to put under the legs. Use them when lying
down. This can help if you have varicose veins, swollen legs and feet or back pain.
SEAT WEDGES
A seat wedge is angled so the higher end goes to the back of the seat and the lower to the front. This
will help to sit with a good posture.
PYRAMID AND BANANA PILLOWS
These pillows are shaped as the name suggests as a pyramid or a banana. They can be used when lying down to elevate the head and
shoulders or when sitting. Some medical conditions may respond well to elevation eg. gastric reflux, heartburn or hiatus hernia.
THERAPEUTIC/CONTOURED PILLOWS
These pillows are contoured to the curve
of the neck. This will support the normal spinal curve of the neck when you are lying down. It is possible to get different sizes and types for individual needs.
NECK SUPPORTS
Traveller neck cushions
are placed around the neck to support the neck when travelling. They are made of foam or are inflatable. The neck supports help prevent pain which occurs when you fall asleep. Your neck muscles relax and
your head tilts to one side.
MAGNETIC CUSHIONS
Some back and neck cushions, pillows and bed overlays have a number of magnetic strips built into the support. Some people find the magnetic strips assist
in relieving pain. |
