Back Rests will help to prevent neck and back pain by maintaining proper curvature of the spine. They are also known as lumbar supports. Some back rests are built into chairs, while other come in the form of pillows or cushions that will provide additional support for the back during long periods of sitting.
Poorly designed seating is one of the main causes of lower back pain that can lead to the need for a lumbar support. Other causes of the problem include poor posture, improper lifting technique and obesity.
In choosing a lumbar support, the first priority should be to ensure that it matches the chair with which the patient is going to use it. Before buying, the patient should ideally spend at least 15-30 minutes testing the support with the chair he or she intends to use, to see whether it provides pain relief. The best back rests are adjustable and the patient can carry them from home to the car to the office while continuing to benefit from superior support and freedom from back pain.
Many back rests offer lumbar support to help the user avoid low back pain, particularly when seated. The lumbar region of the spine is located in the lower back and includes the largest vertebrae in the vertebral column. It plays a critical role in helping the spine fulfill its function of weight bearing. In particular it helps the spine to properly bear the weight of the upper body.
Back rests that offer lumbar support help to promote optimal posture, particularly when sitting. Many individuals have a natural tendency to slouch or lean forward when seated. This defeats the natural inward curve of the lower back (lordosis) and, over time, can result in lower back pain.
A lumbar support will help to fill the gap between the lower back and the back of your chair. This will in turn help to support the natural inward curve of the lower back and promote good posture.
Lumbar support can be part of the chair design – most ergonomically designed chairs will address the need for it. Alternatively, you can purchase portable back rests that offer this support. The advantage of purchasing a portable back rest is that you can take it with you wherever you go. You can use it in any situation in which you are sitting for long periods and require support for your lumbar region. This may include a long drive or plane flight, to take two examples. If you suffer from low back pain and/or poor posture, this accessory can make a big (positive) difference to your quality of life.
