So many choices, which one should I choose? Unfortunately we do not look for the proper support until we are in pain. Lumbar back support products are designed to help prevent neck and back pain, which can lead to pain in other parts of the body as well. Most importantly when choosing the support is to make sure your spine is in proper alignment so you may enjoy the benefits of maintaining a healthy spine.
The lumbar region of the spine is usually referred to as the lower back. It is the area just above your tailbone and below the bottom of your ribcage. The lumbar area includes your spine and all the muscles, ligaments and tendons that surround your spine. If your ligaments are pulled or torn, you will experience a lumbar sprain or strain, which can lead to muscle spasms and significant pain in your lower back.
Poor posture, poor lifting technique, and obesity, are just a few factors. In fact, sitting for long periods without lumbar support can actually exacerbate pain in your lumbar region. Finally, one of the greatest contributors to back pain is sitting in the wrong type of chair for your body. Surfaces that are too hard or too soft do not encourage proper posture and do not provide adequate support for your back.
Usually all that is required to relieve lower back pain is sufficient rest, but most of us are unable to rest for long enough to overcome lumbar problems. So preventing these problems with a good lumbar support is essential, especially if you spend significant amounts of time sitting down.
The first step to choosing the right lumbar support is to ensure that it fits perfectly in the chair or car seat that you spend the most time in. An even better option is to choose an ergonomically designed chair that includes a built-in lumbar support, or an individual lumbar support that is specifically designed to be used with your chair. “One size fits all” lumbar support products rarely provide any benefits and should be avoided.
Make sure you test the product in the store before you buy it. If you can, sit with the lumbar support for at least 15 minutes to see if it feels good or aggravates back pain. The best lumbar supports are adjustable, so you can fit it to the chair’s height. Ergonomic chairs with lumbar supports included usually allow you to adjust the height and width of the support. Adjustable separate supports are particularly useful if you use more than one chair throughout the day.
Good health is a combination of many factors including your nutrition, preventative care, appropriate corrective care and the small choices you make every day in the course of living. Our team looks forward to helping you to better health. Call Today!
For Your Health,
Dr. Wendy Lanser, DC