|  | Conditions Treatments | Back Pain

How to Buy The Right Lumbar Support Chair Cushions

While the tendency to slouch after sitting for prolonged periods of time is natural, the resulting outward curvature of your back is definitely not natural. With the addition of a lumbar support cushion in your favorite chair, you can maintain a better posture and reduce your back pain and strain. Prior to purchasing a lumbar support cushion, you should assess your personal situation to determine which qualities to look for in your pillow. You can find lumbar support cushions at medical supply stores, office supply stores, certain department stores and other retailers. Prices vary by store and type.

  1. Assess Back Pain

    • Target the location of your back pain. If your lower back is the primary source of your aches and soreness, a small lumbar cushion focused on supporting the curve of your lower back when you are sitting will be the better choice. If your pain has spread upwards to your shoulders and neck, a large backrest cushion that supports both your upper and lower back will be better suited to your needs.

    Choose Ideal Location

    • Determine where you will be using your lumbar support cushion. A rolled cushion is ideal for chairs, couches and beds. A full back rest or a lumbar cushion with a flat back and a round front will feel and fit better in car seats. If you will be using your lumbar support cushion in multiple places, an inflatable cushion travels well and can be adjusted to fit different sized seats. If your cushion will be in a location where you move a lot, a cushion with an attachment to keep it in place is useful.

    Experiment Before Buying

    • Use a towel to experiment with the size of the lumbar support cushion that you will need. Place the rolled towel in the curve of your back and adjust the size and thickness until it feels comfortable. If sitting, your butt should be touching the back of the seat and the cushion should allow you to easily sit with your hips, shoulders and ears aligned. If lying down, the cushion should be just thick enough to make you feel like your entire back is supported and lying flat. Ultimately, your lumbar support cushion should be rounder if the inward curve of your lower back is deeper, and smaller if the curve of your back is shallower.

    Test Different Options

    • Test lumbar support cushions in person before purchasing them to guarantee that you buy one that works specifically for your body. In addition to your pre-determined requirements, look for your cushion to be wide and tall enough for your body so that the curves and support fall in the proper locations on your back. Try out cushions made from different materials. Foam lumbar cushions have the benefit of being less firm and springier, while memory foam tends to be firmer and conforms to your body shape. Lumbar cushions made out of gel offer flexibility, medium firmness and a massage-like comfort. If you do not experience less back pain after a week of using your new lumbar support cushion, continue to test out cushions until you find the right one for your body.

Back Pain - Related Articles