Approximately 80% of people will suffer from pain in their lumbar (lower back) area at one time or another. It's an issue which affects men and women equally, most commonly starting in their early 30's, it causes far more days off work than any other medical complaint.
The lumbar area is the section of the spine between the lower part of the ribcage and the end of the back. Because it supports the majority of the weight of the body and is additionally responsible for nearly all of its flexibility, it can be highly prone to injuries. Although a precise condition may possibly be responsible for a person's lower back pain -- e.g. a trapped nerve, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or a slipped disc -- frequently, the condition is described as 'non-specific'. This simply means that there's no known root cause of the pain.
Something that is known to lead to lower back problems, is remaining seated in the same place for extended time periods, such as when you're operating a computer. Being seated results in an increase in the stress applied to your back, specifically the lumbar section. Slouching when seated may result in injury to the lower spine and contribute to backache. You can prevent this by using suitable lumbar support. A lumbar support cushion or pillow is one convenient option. They are made to sit within the space formed by the inward curve of your back, and the back of your chair, keeping your back correctly supported.
There are a few different ways to assist in supporting your back when sitting:
Chairs with Lower Back Supports
A good posture when sitting down in a chair is vital in avoiding and reducing lumbar pain. Without the correct lumbar support, many people have a tendency to slouch forward in their seats, and if you are remaining seated for prolonged intervals, this may well cause lumbar pain and long-term discomfort. This condition may be cured by ensuring your seat gives good quality support for your spinal column. It's thought that not having good support raises the load on the vertebral discs by around 40%; it's no wonder so many people are afflicted by lumbar problems during their lives. A few ergonomic chairs have back support integrated into their designs. The models which make it possible for you to fine-tune the support are always more efficient, though a fixed support is normally much better than nothing.
Cushions and Pillows
The purpose of using a pillow or cushion is simply to fill the gap between the seat's backrest and the space caused by the normal curve of ones lower spine. If it's possible to fit your hand between your lumbar region and the back of your chair, this means your spine is not being properly supported and your spine is likely to suffer. Though you can't beat a high quality, lumbar support pillow; you can enjoy a similar benefit by making use of a rolled-up towel.
A lumbar support cushion has convenience as a prime advantage. If you find one which especially suits your preferences, then having the ability to take it with you anywhere you might require it is a huge bonus. Purchasing a low priced design is likely not a good investment, as they usually make use of low quality fillings which break down fairly quickly, resulting in a decrease in effectiveness. Some people choose pillows or cushions filled with buckwheat, since you are normally able to remove some of the filling, or put more in, to suit your needs. Another relatively new solution is the use of 'memory' material cushions, constructed from a specialized foam which can form itself to the shape of your back using body heat.
Driving a car is one more thing which causes strain on many people's lower backs. Proper back supports devised for car seats can assist a great deal, and there are several solutions on the market that can be rapidly fastened to any car seat. Several are made with a bumpy texture which is supposed to lightly massage your back as you're driving.
No matter which option you opt for, adequate lower back support may reduce or prevent lumbar pain.
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