Back support

For anyone who has problems with their back, the thing that they are constantly aware of is a feeling that some kind of support is missing. If you do not have a back problem then this is a hard sensation to imagine, but if you do you will appreciate this description.

Many people who suffer from lower back discomfort often sit with one of their arms bent round behind their back and “slotted” into the lumbar zone. In effect they are creating a lumbar roll or bolster with their arm. This has the effect of reinforcing the important inward curve that a healthy back should have at this position. Even so, it makes a restrictive and awkward sitting position and one that can lead to a “dead arm”.

The alternative is to buy a lumbar roll back support cushion. This is a cushion, often semi-circular in profile, that sits comfortably in the space that is created between the base of the back and the backrest of a chair. By doing this it helps maintain the natural curve of the back and in so doing it can alleviate back discomfort for a lot of people.

Other types of back cushion can work for other complaints and seat cushions in the shape of a wedge can adjust the angle between the thighs and the body. This type of support can sometimes help those who suffer from sciatica which can be worsened by having too acute a angle between the back and the legs.

To find out more about back supportive cushions you can check online, see your GP or go to specialist store.

Orthopedic supports - sleeves and braces

Once upon a time when you injured a hand, wrist, elbow, ankle or any other joint, you were either wrapped in plaster or bandaged up.

Both of these options still have their place, but there are many purpose designed supports and braces that can take the place of, or supplement, these “old style” treatments.

Modern elastic supports can be used to offer compression and warmth to damaged knees and shoulders whilst still allowing them to have a degree of motion. Many of these aids can be used for recovery from some kind of injury, rehabilitation from medical treatment or, increasingly, for use in sport as an active way of reducing the occurrence of strains, sprains and stress injuries.

The variety of these aids is now vast and you can explore some of the many sleeves, pads and braces that available online.

Basic supporting aids include elastic sleeves, but more complex and rehabilitative options have frames that include hinges and different ways of setting the allowable range of movements that a joint can have. This results in a very large number of support-type options being available.

To make matters even better, these sleeves can be removed, washed, and many are made from none itch antibacterial fabrics that are comfortable to wear and do not irritate the skin.

These supports have become so popular that many high level athletes wear these contraptions all the time when they are performing. Partly to protect themselves and partly because they can make a joint or collection of muscles feel protected and secure.

The most common of these aids are the numerous sleeves that can be worn around the knees and the thigh compression versions that keep hamstring muscles warm and feeling secure.

Medical supports include those used for the neck after, e.g. whiplash damage, and hernia belts that can keep everything in place whilst a patient waits treatment in hospital. These aids not only help in recovery, but they significantly reduce patient pain which can be quite severe.

Selecting the right kind of mattress

Selecting the right kind of mattress or bed has never been easier and harder.

Easier, because the variety and options of choice make it far easier to get exactly the right kind of mattress for any individual.

Harder, because the choice is so wide with so many differing alternatives that you are literally spoilt for choice.

This poses the question, “which type of mattress is best?”

The answer of course is different for everyone. Some people like firm beds whilst others like soft cushiony ones. Some like natural materials and others are happy with synthetic.

So how do you decide on the right mattress for you and your body, your sleeping positions and the inclusion or exclusion of a partner.

The best solution is to start by researching what is available. You can start by going into bed retailer and acquainting yourself with what is available and what the various options are.

Nest you need to narrow things down a little. There are a lot of choices and you need to exclude or dismiss some of them.

Once you are down to some real possibilities you can go to a store and check them out. The way to do this is by laying down on a bed in the same position that you would at home. Stay there for as long as you can. 5 minutes will tell you nothing, but 30 or more minutes should indicate if the bed is genuinely to your liking. If it is not, try something else.

This is very much a trial and error process that is all about eliminating some mattress types and favouring others.

If there are two of you this needs to be a joint process and you may need to make a compromise if you both have different favourites.

Other than that, do not get influenced by a sales person, or the technology that goes into a bed. Ultimately all you want to do is sleep on it. If it feel right then buy it, if it does not then move on.