Making Your Own Lumbar Support Out of a Towel

If you sit for long periods and notice pain in your lower back, you may benefit from a lumbar support. "Sitting places markedly increased pressure on the lumbar discs," according to Mary Pullig Schatz, author of "Back Care Basics." She suggests using a chair with a lumbar support that's fitted to you individually. A rolled towel makes an inexpensive support that you can adjust until it's the most comfortable size and thickness for your back.

Things You'll Need

• Towel, bath-size
• 2 rubber bands or duct tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose a terry-cloth bath towel that's approximately the width of the chair or car seat you sit in.

• 2

  Roll up the towel. Place a large rubber band or a strip of duct tape around each end to keep it rolled.

• 3

  Sit down and rest the rolled towel horizontally between the small of your back and the back of the seat. Adjust it until it's comfortable. If it feels too large, substitute a smaller towel. If it feels too small, unroll the towel and roll up a smaller one inside the larger towel.