Nearly 80% of people will suffer pain in their lumbar (lower back) area at some point. It's a problem that affects an equal number of both men and women, mainly starting in their early 30's, it's the cause of a great deal more missed work days than any other medical complaint.
The lumbar area is defined as the part of the spinal column in between the bottom of your ribs and the end of the backbone. Since it supports most of the weight of the body and in addition is responsible for most of its flexibility, it's extremely prone to damage. Though a particular medical condition or disease may possibly be responsible for someone's lower back pains -- including osteoarthritis, a slipped disc or trapped nerve -- very frequently, the condition is defined as 'non-specific'. This indicates that there is no definable problem responsible for the pain.
One thing which is widely known to induce lower back pain, is sitting in the same position for extended time periods, for instance when you are operating a computer. Sitting down leads to an increase in the stress experienced by your back, in particular the lumbar area. Slouching when seated may result in injury to your back and lead to backache. This can be relieved or prevented by utilizing satisfactory lumbar support. A lumbar support cushion or pillow is one convenient option. These are made to lie in between the gap produced by the normal inward contour of your spine, and the back of your chair, keeping your spine straight and supported.
There are a few different ways to help support your back when seated:
Lumbar Support Chairs
A correct posture when sitting in a chair is vital in avoiding and alleviating lower back pain. Without suitable lumbar support, most people tend to slouch in their chairs, and if they're sitting down for lengthy periods, this can result in lumbar pain and long-term discomfort. This issue may well be remedied by ensuring your chair offers good quality support for your lower back. It's thought that not having appropriate support increases the stress on the discs between your vertebrae by as much as 40%; it's no surprise numerous people suffer from lumbar problems during their lives. A few ergonomic chairs have lumbar supports integrated into their designs. Those models which make it possible for you to modify the support are generally more beneficial, nevertheless a permanent support is in most cases much better than nothing.
Lumbar Support Cushions
The reason for making use of a pillow or cushion is basically to fill the gap in between the back of your chair and the space produced by the natural curvature of the lower back. If it's possible to fit your hand behind the lower part of your back and the back of your seat, then this means that your spinal column isn't being properly supported and your back is likely to be affected. Although you can't do better than a good quality, lumbar support cushion; you can enjoy a comparable effect by utilizing a rolled-up towel.
A lumbar support cushion has transportability as a prime advantage. Once you purchase one that fits your preferences, then being able to keep it with you wherever you might need it is a great bonus. Buying a cheap design is quite possibly not a sound investment, as they usually make use of low-quality fillings which often break down easily, and cause a decline in performance. A number of people opt for cushions filled with buckwheat, because you are commonly able to remove some wheat, or add more in, to accommodate your needs. Another reasonably new solution is the 'memory' material pillows, made from a specialized foam which forms itself to the shape of your lower back using your body's heat.
Driving a vehicle is one more thing which may induce stress on many people's lower backs. Adequate lower back supports suitable for car seats can assist a great deal, there are many products on the market that can be instantly attached to any car seat. Many are built with a bumpy surface which is supposed to gently massage your back as you're driving.
No matter which method you choose, suitable back support can help prevent or relieve lumbar pain.