Can Good Lumbar Support Help Relieve my Back Pain? - By: Jay Benjamin

Around 80% of people will suffer from pain in their lower back area at some point in their lives. It's a problem that affects an equal number of men and women, mostly from age 30 upwards, and it's responsible for more missed work days than any other medical complaint.

The lower back, or lumbar area, is the part of the spine between the bottom of your ribs and the end of the spine. Since it supports most of the body's weight and is responsible for the majority of its flexibility, it is very susceptible to damage. Although a specific medical condition may be responsible for a person's lower back pain -- for example a trapped nerve, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or a slipped disc -- more often than not, the condition is described as 'non-specific'. This means that there is no traceable root cause of the pain.

One thing which is known to cause lower back pain, is sitting in the same position for extended periods of time, for example when you're using a computer. Sitting down causes an increase in the pressure applied to your back, particularly the lumbar region. A poor sitting posture can result in damage to your back and resultant pain. This can be alleviated by using adequate lumbar support. A lumbar support cushion or pillow is one convenient option. They are designed to sit between the space created by the natural inward curve of your lower back, and the back of your chair, keeping your spine straight and supported.

The pillows can be filled with various different substances, giving different levels of support. Although foam is the most commonly used filling, wheat is also a popular choice as it provides a good balance between firmness and comfort; some wheat-filled pillows can easily be adjusted by adding or removing filling. Also, many new models are now manufactured from so-called 'memory' materials. These special foams use heat from your body to contour themselves to the specific shape of your back.

Driving is another activity which also puts strain on many people's lower backs. Proper lumbar support for your car seat can help a great deal, and there are many products on the market which can be quickly attached to any car seat. Some are designed with a bumpy texture which is supposed to lightly massage your back as you drive.

Whether you currently suffer from lower back pain, or are at risk from it due to your lifestyle, it is a good idea to do what you can to ensure you maintain a good posture whilst seated. To achieve this, proper lumbar support is vital.

About the Author

You can help prevent or relieve lower back pain by using a special lumbar support pillow or a good quality lumbar support chair.

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